Sultan Mahmood
Farmers and agronomists are expecting a bumper production of sesame in six districts of Jashore region during this current season. The pollination is well due to favourable weather condition.
The tasty oil seed is used for making different kinds of sweetmeats, and also for manufacturing cosmetic items, including hair oil.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), a total of 16,035 tonnes of sesame will be produced from 16,035 hectares of land in the south-western region this year.
The six districts are-Jashore, Jhenidah, Magura, Kushtia, Chuadanga and Meherpur. The sesame growers of six districts in the region of the country are now happy over the production.
The DAE sources said, district wise production target follows as 2,855 hectares of land brought under cultivation with 2,855 tonnes of quality sesame in Jashore, while 4,600 hectares of land with 4,600 tonnes in Jhenidah, 3,300 hectares of land with 3,300 tonnes in Magura, 4,605 hectares of land with 4,605 tonnes in Kushtia, 560 hectares of land with 560 tonnes in Chuadanga and 115 hectares of land brought under sesame cultivation with 115 tonnes of quality in Meherpur district.
Acting Additional Director of Jashore region DAE, Sudhendu Shekhar Malakar said that favourable climate conditions, adequate supply of necessary fertilisers are the reasons behind the bumper production of sesame.
DAE officials and farmers said this year’s weather has been favourable for bumper sesame production. Many farmers are showing interest to cultivate the crop on more areas of land.
A farmer said that he is interested in sesame farming as it requires lower production cost in terms of irrigation, fertiliser and labour compared to other Rabi crops, and less fertile land, where other crops do not usually grow well, can be used for sesame cultivation.
“Sesame farming between the gap of potato and aman paddy cultivation periods helps earning additional money. It also helps to make the soil fertile,” said a farmer.