Manikganj Correspondent:

Groundnut cultivation has brought remarkable success to the farmers of Daulatpur, Shibalaya and Harirampur upazilas in the district as they are witnessing a bumper production of the crop this Kharif-1 season, transforming the once-fallow char lands into hubs of economic activity.

Farmers in these riverine char areas, traditionally known for their sandy and less fertile soils, are now reaping benefits from groundnut farming – a low-cost, drought-tolerant crop that thrives in such conditions.

Officials of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said groundnut is generally cultivated on sandy soil, and the lands of the three upazilas are highly suitable for its cultivation.

With the onset of rising waters in the rivers Jamuna and Padma, harvesting activities began early. Though most of the low-lying char lands have already been inundated, more than 80 percent of the harvesting has already been completed, officials added.

Over the last few years, a number of local farmers began cultivating groundnut experimentally on the barren char lands which would otherwise remain fallow throughout the year. Encouraged by their success, many more farmers in the region have now turned to groundnut cultivation.

Farmers are getting fair prices ranging between Taka 3,500 and 4,000 per mound, depending on quality, as the crop is in high demand in the market.

According to DAE sources, a total of 3,200 hectares of land have been brought under groundnut cultivation this Kharif-1 season, compared to 2,200 hectares last year, showing a significant increase.

Ahmad Ali, a groundnut farmer from Char Kalikapur village under Baghutia union of Daulatpur upazila, said he cultivated the crop on two bighas of land this season and is getting the expected yield and market price.

Another farmer, Naim Uddin, said groundnut cultivation is gaining popularity among char dwellers as the crop grows well on sandy barren lands and does not require irrigation.

“Groundnut has now become one of the most important cash crops for char people,” he said, adding that it is cultivated twice a year – during winter and summer.

A large number of traders are visiting the char areas to procure groundnut directly from farmers, while some local middlemen are also engaged in regular trade.

Dr. Robiah Noor Ahmed, Deputy Director of the DAE, said the sandy lands of the char areas are highly suitable for groundnut farming and its cultivation is increasing in Daulatpur, Shibalaya and Harirampur upazilas day by day.

“Every year, groundnut cultivation in these areas is exceeding the fixed targets,” the Deputy Director added.