Raihan Kabir Ranju from Barind region
Local farmers in the drought-prone Barind region of northwestern Bangladesh, are expecting good results from experimental cultivation of a new drought-tolerant crop named cassava. Farmers of Kharibona village of Nachol upazila of Chapainbaganj district, known as high Barind region, which is more prone to drought, are cultivating seven varieties of cassava. This experimental farming journey started in February this year with the facilitation of BARCIK. Apart from this, BARCIK also helps in the exchange of local cassava local variety seeds in Kanapukur village of Tanor upazila of Rajshahi.
Agricultural researcher Raihar Kabir Ranju of BARCIK is playing the role of chief coordinator in this experimental cassava cultivation at Kharibona village of Kasba union of Nachol upazila of Chapainbaganj district. The seven varieties of cassava which were collected from Netrakona on February 11 include: Local Bilati, Filipino, Meghalaya, local variety, Vidyasundari, Nagra and Hanem varieties. Each breed has different characteristics. The experiment is being conducted under the direct supervision of the farmers of Kharibona Village Farmers alliance.
The farmers of Kharibona Farmers Alliance determined the initial results in the experimental research of the cassava crop. Approximately after 240 days of planting the farmers obtained 1 kg of cassava from a single native cultivar. The yield was cooked and 15 women and men farmers of the area consumed the cassava yield (Look likes wild potato) to test its taste. Gini Begum (38), Rina Begum (28) and farmer Monirul (35) along with 15 farmers tested the taste and found it fine. They planned to grow the cassava from house to house in the future as it can be consumed as foods and tastes well.
It is to be noted that cassava is more drought tolerant and can be cultivated without water which is a good crops for the people in Barind region where water scarcity exists. Because cassava plants are not eaten by cows, goats or cattle, it can be cultivated as an organic hedge even if there is no land. Again it is possible to cultivate it in abandoned or uncultivated land at home. Apart from cassava curries, it can be powdered to make a variety of delicious recipes including bread. Cultivation of drought-tolerant cassava has emerged as a potential crop among farmers in the drought-prone Barind region.
Translated by Silvanus Lamin
