The origin of SonaMung is deeply rooted in the history of Barguna. This mung bean is cultivated in every upazila in the Barguna district and is an important part of the livelihood of the local farmers. Farmers believe that Sonamung is a local variety of Barguna, which they learned to cultivate from their forefathers. For generations, farmers have seen their ancestors grow Sonamung and they too are carrying on that tradition. The FAO report notes that traditional crop production in South Asian countries like Bangladesh and conservation plays an important role in local food security and livelihoods. Farmers in Barguna have maintained the quality of Sonamung by adopting this traditional farming method.
Taste of Excellence
What sets Sonamung apart from other varieties is its extraordinary taste and aroma. It is celebrated for its rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture, making it a favorite ingredient in various traditional dishes.
According to farmers, Sonamung is more aromatic and much tastier than all other types of mung dal. From soups and stews to curries and salads, Sonamung has gained appreciation in both local and national markets. According to the FAO database, mung dal is an important source of protein that helps improve diet. Mung has become a staple food due to its high nutritional value and relevance in local food cultures.
Characteristics of SonaMung:
Sonamung is smaller in size compared to other pulses and 1000 (one thousand) Sonamungs weigh 20-24 grams. It is a fragrant pulse which spreads its aroma around when cooked and this is why Sonamung is very easy to identify. Sonamung contains the aroma-creating ingredient 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) which is not found in other beans.
Cultivation and Market Reach
Interviews with 60 (Sixty) farmers aged 31 to 70 in Barguna revealed that most of them have more than 20 years of farming experience, and have been cultivating Sonamung for a long time. It is not just an economic crop, but also part of their heritage. According to the farmers, they cultivate Sonamung mainly for traditional and habitual reasons, as their fathers and grandfathers used to cultivate this mung and their ancestors also cultivated it.
Although the production level of Sonamung is relatively low compared to other mung bean varieties, its popularity is continuously increasing, with demand reaching all over Bangladesh. Currently, its price in the market fluctuates between 100 and 130 taka per kg, which is slightly higher than other mung beans. As advised by the FAO, local farmers are trying to increase production while reducing environmental impact by following sustainable farming techniques. Barguna farmers have been able to market Sonamung across the country, bringing the taste of their beloved crop to a wider audience.
Challenges and Opportunities
Low yields of Sonamung bean present a major challenge for farmers. According to FAO recommendations, yields can be increased through innovative agricultural technologies and use of improved mangement systems. FAO also notes that pulses like mung bean are climate-tolerant and help improve soil fertility. Farmers believe that if they receive proper agricultural technology and training, they can further increase the production of Sonamung. Based on this information, efforts are being made to incorporate new farming methods and scientific interventions in Sonamung cultivation.
A Bright Future
As more people discover the delightful taste and nutritional benefits of Sonamung, its future looks promising. Local farmers are committed to preserving the legacy of this exceptional mung bean, ensuring that its rich history and fantastic taste continue to be enjoyed by future generations. According to FAO, a significant portion of global pulse production and trade depends on the conservation and development of local varieties in countries like Bangladesh. Sonamung has become the pride of not only Barguna but the entire country through its taste and heritage legacy.
References:
- FAO. (2022). Pulses and their contributions to food security and nutrition.Retrieved from FAO Website.
- FAO. (2021). Sustainable Agriculture for Smallholder Farmers.
Dr. Abu Syed Md. JobaydulAlam is the Principal of Agricultural Training Institute, Homana, Cumilla, Email: shaheenbinod@gmail.com
Mir Aszad Ali (Ph. D.) is a Researcher at the International Potato Center (CIP), Banani, Dhaka-1213
