The area of vegetables farming has been decreasing, while that of dragon, maize and mustard farming is increasing faster in Jhenaidah. The area of dragon fruit farming increased to four times in a year which might be believed as unbelievable to people.
The farmers of the district have been losing interest in vegetables farming which was reflected in the market in last winter and the price went three to four times higher than the past years.
According to a source related to the office of the deputy director of the department of agricultural extension (DAE) in Jhenaidah Khamarbari, the farmers brought 830 hectares of land under the dragon fruit farming in the current season as against last year’s 123 hectares. The area of maize farming was increased to 18,213 hectares while the same was 16,710 hectares in the last year. The area of mustard was also increased to 13,506 hectares from last seasons’ 11,112 hectares.
Jamir Uddin, renowned dragon fruit farmer in Jhenaidah when contacted at his expanded plot at Dudhsar-Chandpur on Jhenaidah - Kusthtia highway said he had expanded the area of dragon farming on six hectares which was four hectares in the last season. Although he had gained a profit for Taka 15 lakh in the first year of production, he had targeted the net profit for an amount of Taka one crore as the fruit has potentials.
The farmer said they (farmers) had incurred loss in vegetables farming when the yield went lowest in the winter due to disfavourable climate.
As the farming of maize, dragon and mustard is benefitting the farmers, they have been leaning towards the crops in every year.
DAE deputy director in Jhenaidah Khamarbari Asgar Ali when contacted said the farmers of the district always consider their interest in farming the crops.
As dragon, maize and mustard or other crops have been ensuring better yield and price for them, they have been expanding the area of farming thinking their financial benefit.
Deputy Director said they advised the farmers to apply new and modern technology, machineries, improved and quality seeds, application of balance fertilizers, especially, organic and environment-friendly fertilizers to boost production. The three crops like maize, dragon and mustard might help the farmers financially, the agricultural officer said.
