BSS, Rangamati :
Cotton has now become the main crop in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) as the farmers are showing more interest in cultivating it due to its demand both at home and abroad.
Farmers cultivated the crop on about 10,000 hectares of hillside land this season, exceeding the target set by the Bangladesh Cotton Development Board (BCDB), said officials of BCDB.
According to Rangamati district zone office of BCDB the cultivation target of cotton during this season was fixed at 9,500 hectors of land.
Chief Cotton Development Officer Paresh Chandra Chakma said during this season a total of about 4,143 bales of cotton is expected to be produced.
Farmer Anil Chakma of Kurkutichhari village under Sadar upazila said he has cultivated cotton on two acres of land being inspired by other farmers.
Now, the farmers of the area are giving first priority to cultivate cotton on their land instead of other crops due to its demand, he added.
Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) office sources said the demand of Karpus cotton, locally known as ‘Pahari tula’ is high in the markets as it is different in quality from other species of cotton produced in other districts across the country.
