Farmers are enjoying a bumper harvest of black cumin on lands that usually remain fallow in char areas of Sariakandi upazila in Bogra. Encouraged by fair prices and low production costs, growers are expanding cultivation of the high-value spice crop across the riverine region.
Sariakandi is bordered by the Jamuna, Bangali and Sukhdaha rivers, creating vast char lands that often remain uncultivated for much of the year. Over the past several years, farmers have begun utilizing irrigation methods to grow black cumin on these fallow lands.
Last year, farmers earned significant profits, selling black cumin at around Tk 600 per kilogram, with prices reaching as high as Tk 24,000 per maund in some markets. Average yields ranged between 2.5 to 3 maunds per bigha, generating returns of Tk 16,000 to Tk 20,000 per maund.
This season, crops sown a few weeks ago are showing promising growth. Fields are now covered with blossoms, and seed formation has already begun in some areas. Farmers expect to begin harvesting within days if favorable weather conditions persist.
During visits to char villages in Kajla and Sadar unions, several farmers were found cultivating black cumin. Abu Sayeed has planted black cumin on two bighas, while Abul Kalam Azad and Shaheen Alam each cultivated black cumin on one bigha.
“I harvested two and a half maunds per bigha last year and made good profits,” said Abu Sayeed. “This year I expanded to two bighas. The weather has been supportive, and the crop condition is excellent. We expect good yields again.”
According to the Sariakandi Upazila Agriculture Office, the cultivation target last year was 10 hectares, and the target was fully achieved, producing about one metric ton per hectare. This year, although the target remained 10 hectares, farmers exceeded expectations by cultivating 12 hectares.
Agriculture officials say black cumin is a short-duration crop that can be harvested within three to three-and-a-half months after sowing. It requires minimal care, though limited fertilization and one or two irrigations significantly improve yields. Sowing typically takes place between mid-October and mid-December.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Mohammad Ali Jinnah said black cumin cultivation is steadily increasing in char-dominated Sariakandi due to its profitability and medicinal value. “It is a high-value crop with recognized health benefits. When consumed with honey, it helps relieve cold-related ailments. It is widely regarded as a natural remedy for various diseases,” he said.
With favorable weather and stable market prices, farmers in Sariakandi are hopeful that black cumin will continue to transform fallow char lands into profitable fields.