The farmers in Tangail have witnessed a bumper harvest of black gram (mashkalai dal) this season.
This significantly larger harvest was possible because of a government initiative in which farmers in river-island areas near Jamuna and Dhaleshwari were provided with high yield Bari 3 black gram seeds and fertilizer for free.
Local farmers are quite happy with their harvest, as black gram is extensively cultivated in the river-island areas of Tangail.
Local farmers used to cultivate local species of black gram, but many previous harvests gave low yields because of viral infections. These infections had dealt a blow to the black gram cultivation sector in this region.
Under these circumstances, the local Department of Agriculture Extension, the upazila parishad and other government bodies launched an agriculture initiative program to provide farmers with Bari 3 black gram seeds and fertilizer free of cost.
Following the government initiative, local farmers returned to black gram cultivation on around 6,000 hectors of land. The harvest of black gram has doubled this season, and the crops were free from diseases.
Local farmers cultivated black gram on around 6,000 hectors of land | Dhaka Tribune
This success has inspired the local farmers to plant black gram next season in an even larger area. The agriculture department has also promised their continued support in this regard.
Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, farmer Abdul Ali of Sadar upazila said: “We sow black gram as soon as the Jamuna river recedes from the area. This crop is usually high yield, and once sown, there is no additional cost.”
“We are hoping for a bumper harvest this year,” he added.
Echoing the same opinion, farmer Halim Mia said: “I am cultivating a hybrid species of black gram. I will use a little fertilizer this season. So far, the crop looks healthy and well. If I get favourable market price, I will be able to make a hefty profit.”
Meanwhile, Tangail Department of Agriculture Extension Deputy Director Abdur Razzak said: “Black gram is being cultivated in more than 6,000 hectors of land in Tangail. We are training the local farmers about the process of cultivating high-yield black gram.”
“If the weather continues to favour us, I am sure this harvest will be a bumper one,” he said.