By Md. Mukter Hossain from Manikgonj
Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) popularly known as “Payra” is one of the forgotten and underutilized crops in Bangladesh. Historically it is one of the first documented agricultural cereals dating from the Neolithic period (8500 years ago) in the Fertile Crescent of the Nile delta and is the fourth most important cereal crop after rice, wheat and maize.
Bhasan Sarkar, a farmer at Karmakarkandi village of Harirampur upazila of Manikganj district, said, 10-12 years ago Payra was cultivated by almost all farmers in our areas. Sweet fragrance of ripe Payra was then floating in the air. Payra is grown well on Char land. It’s not only used as human food but also excellent animal feed as most of the people of Char keep cattle and horses for cultivation and transporting goods. Pyara flour is very tasty to eat, soaked in water and mixed with molasses makes an instant food to eat.’
He said, more or less 15 KGs of seed Payra is required for every 33 decimal of land for cultivation. Seeds are broadcasted from November to December and harvesting starts from late March to first April. Every decimal of land can produce about 12 KGs of Payra which sells approximately 800 BDT is more profitable compared to rice production as it does not require any pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
Barley cultivation in the area was decreased due to excessive river erosion and excessive silting of the land and its cultivation gradually disappeared leading to erode its seeds in the areas.
Payra is one of the forgotten crops that has environmental adaptability, economic, social and nutritional benefit and also power to combat hunger and malnutrition. It also helps to promote biodiversity, improves rural livelihoods and supports healthier and more secure food systems.
In 2012, BARCIK with the financial support from Misereor and Diakonia supported to 10 farmers with seeds for Payra cultivation in responding to their demand in Horirampur Char areas and facilitated series of campaign activities including grassroots meetings, setting up trial plots, farmer’s field day, seed exchanges and food festivals made with Payra.
Translated by ABM Touhidul Alam
