Kurigram farmers see bumper turmeric yield

The anticipation of a bountiful turmeric yield in the Kurigram district this season has gripped farmers, thanks to the region's fertile soil ideal for turmeric cultivation.

Across all nine upazilas in the district, farmers have enthusiastically engaged in large-scale turmeric cultivation, utilizing both high and unused lands. The allure of turmeric cultivation lies in its straightforward cultivation method, low investment requirements, minimal risk of animal attacks or pests, and its adaptability to thrive in both sunny areas and under the shade of trees.

Adding impetus to this agricultural fervor, the Kurigram Department of Agriculture Extension has established an ambitious target of cultivating turmeric on 680 hectares of land this year. Recent visits to various locations, including Kathalbari, Senai, Belgacha, Holokhana, Jatrapur, Ghogadaha, and Bhogdanga in Kurigram Sadar upazila, as well as Bamondanga, Berubari, Hasnabad, Kaliganj, Narayanpur Roygani areas in Nagswari upazila, and Rajarhat, Ulipur, Chilmari, Roumari, Bhurungamari, and Phulbari upazila, reveal a widespread adoption of turmeric cultivation among local farmers.

Saiful, a 40-year-old farmer from Khalisha Kalowa village under Kanthalbari union in Kurigram Sadar upazila, shared his experience, "I have cultivated Barma variety turmeric on my 50-decimal land this year. I've invested Tk 42,000 in seeds, plowing, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, and labor. The turmeric plants are thriving due to favorable weather and meticulous care. I anticipate a production of 100 maunds. During the harvest, each maund of turmeric will be sold at Tk.1800 to 2100. With an average selling price of Tk 2000 per maund, total sales could reach Tk 100,000. After deducting the production cost of around Tk 45,000, my net profit is expected to stand at Tk 55,000. Having cultivated turmeric for the past ten years in the same land, the profit is satisfactory."

Rabiul, a 44-year-old farmer from the village Madaikhal under Kaliganj union of Nageswari upazila, echoed the optimism, having cultivated turmeric on his two bighas of land. Turmeric, a masala variety crop, is commonly mixed into a paste or powder for culinary use.

Deputy Director of the Kurigram Department of Agriculture Extension, Biplab Kumari Mohanto, emphasized, "Turmeric cultivation is not only profitable but also versatile, suitable for cultivation in fallow, high, abandoned, and normal lands." The confluence of favorable conditions and the farmers' dedication positions turmeric cultivation as a promising and lucrative venture in the agricultural landscape of the Kurigram district.