Manikganj Farmers Celebrate Prosperous Blackgram Harvest, Eye Next Maize Season
Marking a significant milestone in agricultural productivity, Manikganj district has successfully concluded its blackgram (Maskolai) harvesting season across all seven upazilas, showcasing a promising yield that underscores the crop’s importance as a staple and cash crop in the region. Spearheaded by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), this season’s cultivation covered 6812 hectares with an ambitious production target of 7,048 metric tons, aiming to bolster food security and farmer income.
Transforming Sandy Soils into Fertile Grounds
Historically underutilized char areas in Harirampur, Shibalaya, and Daulatpur upazilas have witnessed a remarkable transformation. The sandy soils, once deemed unfit for cultivation, have now been turned into productive lands for blackgram cultivation. This breakthrough was achieved through the determination of pioneering farmers who embarked on small-scale cultivation, thereby setting a precedent for others to follow. Among them, farmer Selim Mollah from Paruria, Daulatpur upazila, shared his success story, emphasizing the crop’s favorable market prices and its role in enhancing the dietary habits of the local populace.
Government Support Fuels Agricultural Expansion
In a bid to promote blackgram cultivation further, the government played a pivotal role by distributing seeds and fertilizers to 3850 poor and marginal farmers at no cost. This initiative, as highlighted by Abu Mohammad Enayet Ullah, Deputy Director of the DAE, is part of a broader strategy to maximize agricultural production in Manikganj, particularly in the three upazilas renowned for their suitability for blackgram cultivation. The move not only aims to increase crop diversity but also to ensure food security and improve the livelihoods of local farmers.
Shifting Focus to Maize Cultivation
Following the successful harvest of blackgram, the agricultural landscape in Manikganj is now transitioning towards maize cultivation. This shift reflects the district’s adaptive farming practices and its commitment to crop rotation, which is essential for maintaining soil health and ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity. As farmers prepare their lands for the upcoming maize season, there is a sense of optimism in the air, with hopes of replicating the success of the blackgram harvest.
Manikganj’s agricultural success story serves as a testament to the resilience and innovation of its farming community. With continued government support and the adoption of sustainable farming practices, the district is well-positioned to achieve greater milestones in agricultural productivity, thereby contributing significantly to the nation’s food security and economic development.
Source Link: https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/agriculture/manikganj-farmers-celebrate-prosperous-blackgram-harvest-eye-next-maize-season
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