GFMM desk: Spice cultivation is increasing in different Upazilas of Shariatpur district. Black cumin and coriander are chief among the spices. Its yields help farmers bring in some higher prices than other crops, such as rice and wheat. According to data from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), about 2980 hectares of land have been used for cultivation of blackberries. And this year 5970 hectares of land has been used in Dhania. According to the farmers in the district, they are getting four to five maunds of black cumin and six to eight maunds coriander from per bigha land. Per maund black cumin is being sold at Tk 6000-8000 while per maund coriander is for Tk 2,500-3,000. They also said that per bigha cultivation for black cumin and coriander cost them only 4,000. Swapan Khalasi, from the village of Dubaisibar in Jajira Upazila, said, ‘Farmers used to cultivate Boro on land, but rice prices are falling compared to the cost of production which has caused us financial loss. That is why we started cultivating black cumin and coriander because the cost of production is quite satisfactory’. Another farmer Shukku Madbar said he cultivated black cumin on one bigha of land last year. ‘This year, I have cultivated crops on one and a half bighas of land. Because the yields are much higher than other crops like rice, wheat, etc’. When contacted by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Deputy Director Amir Hamza on the issue, he said: 'They are being encouraged by the farmers getting better prices day by day. Moreover, the soil and weather of the district are suitable for spice cultivation. That's why it's growing. ' Source: Online/SZK
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