In the heart of Lalmonirhat, a quiet revolution is reshaping the sandy terrain of the chars (sandbanks) that have risen along the Teesta River, press release said Monday.
Farmers are leveraging the char land for maize cultivation, marking a significant shift in agriculture and transforming the lives of the people in this region. The expansion of maize farming is exceeding expectations, bringing hope and anticipation to the farming community.
The agricultural transformation achieved by this is no small feat, with the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) setting an ambitious target of cultivating maize on approximately 33,000 hectares of land in the district this year. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years, fueling hopes and expectations among the farming community.
According to the DAE, Lalmonirhat boasts over 100,000 hectares of arable land, out of which maize cultivation is earmarked for 32,920 hectares. Additionally, the cultivation targets include over one thousand hectares for potatoes, 900 hectares for onions, and 400 hectares for garlic. Across various char regions of Lalmonirhat, out of 45,000 hectares of land, a substantial portion is dedicated to cultivating a multipul crops, with maize taking the lead.
The initiation of maize cultivation in Hatibandha, a sub-district of Lalmonirhat, dates to 2001 with the support of the Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank. The cultivation began modestly on a mere 10 acres of land, gradually expanding across Patgram-Hatibandha-Kaliganj region. Today, maize cultivation has spread throughout the entire district, becoming one of the notable spring-time crops. It has also become a brand for the region.
Venturing through different areas of Lalmonirhat, from Kaliganj to Patgram, one can witness vast expanses of maize fields stretching mile after mile. The once desolate landscapes, where only sand could be seen for miles, now boast flourishing crops. In the past, people living along the riverbanks faced daily struggles, losing arable land and livelihoods to erosion, leaving them in perpetual hardship. The introduction of maize cultivation has brought about a transformation, not only in the char areas but across Lalmonirhat as a whole. However, farmers are hoping for the governmentto buy facilities for maize in the district to get fairer prices.
Nur Islam, a resident of Char Haldibari in Hatibandha Upazila, reflects, “Our fortunes have changed through maize cultivation; it’s true. However, we still don’t get fair prices. Moreover, this year, the cost of fertilizers and seeds has skyrocketed, increasing our production expenses.”
Moshiur Rahman Mamun, Chairman of Hatibandha Upazila Parishad, envisions broader economic and social development for the region if a government-operated maize procurement center is established. He states, “The lives of the people in this district are transforming through maize cultivation. However, if a government-centric maize industry is established, it will foster economic and social development in the area.”
Hamidur Rahman, the Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Lalmonirhat, emphasizes, “Through maize cultivation, farmers in this district are striving to bring about a revolution in agriculture. They are investing their time vigorously in farming activities. We are constantly providing them with guidance.”
The winds of change are sweeping through Lalmonirhat, and maize cultivation is at the forefront, not just as a crop but as a catalyst for the region’s metamorphosis. As the golden fields of maize sway in the breeze, they symbolize not only an agricultural shift but a promising future for the resilient people of Lalmonirhat.
