Ishwardi (Pabna) Correspondent :
There has been a revolution in banana cultivation in the vast char areas of Ishwardi in Pabna. As far as the eye can see, it is just a banana orchard. Thousands of bananas hanging in the middle of the green leaves are visible and the smiles of victory are on the faces of the farmers. Due to the low cost of profit, the farmers of the char region have been cultivating banana for 4 years. The economic prosperity of the farmers has also come in banana cultivation. The fortunes of many farmers have already changed.
According to Ishwardi Agriculture Office, this time banana has been planted in 1,840 hectares of land. Of these, 1,800 hectares of land has been planted in Laxmikunda Union. Farmers in Laksikunda, Kaikunda, Kamalpur, Dadapur and Degree chars of the union are no longer interested in cultivating other crops as they are benefiting from banana cultivation. This time the farmers are only inclined to plant bananas.
Mamun, a banana farmer from Kamalpur Char, said, “I have planted bananas on 40 bighas of land. The yield has been bumper. Char farmers are benefiting a lot by planting bananas. Banana cultivation reduces the cost of fertilizers, seeds and labor. Banana cultivation is less labor intensive than other crops. There is no problem in selling bananas. Wholesalers come to the garden and buy bananas. Some farmers have already built beautiful houses as they have benefited from banana cultivation. Many farmers have bought power trailers, engine driven tractors, harvester machines.
Hasan, a farmer of Dadapur Char, said that the fate of the farmers of this char has changed with banana cultivation. All the farmers are now financially prosperous. He said that he has planted bananas in 50 bighas of land, adding that the profit per bigha has been at least 50-60 thousand rupees. It goes without saying that there is no other cultivation in Echer except banana. But even 5 years ago no one used to cultivate banana in this char.
Abdul Alim, Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer, Laxmikunda UP, said there was an unprecedented response among the farmers of the union to banana cultivation. Everyone is inclined to cultivate banana. The cost per bigha in banana cultivation is 45 to 50 thousand rupees. It is sold for one lakh to one lakh 20 thousand rupees. Sabri banana is cultivated more here. Besides, banana is also planted in Sagar, Meher Sagar and Amrit Sagar.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Mita Sarkar said that this time banana crop has got good yield in Padma char area. The cultivation is increasing every year as the farmers are benefiting. The Department of Agriculture is providing all kinds of advice and assistance to the farmers for banana cultivation.
