Satkhira:Water chestnut farming on fallow, waterlogged lands in Satkhira is emerging as a lucrative agricultural venture, with production expected to generate around Taka 100 crore this year. This initiative is also creating employment opportunities for unemployed and marginalized workers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, water chestnuts, known locally as paniphal or pani singara, are gaining popularity among farmers due to their low production costs and attractive returns. The crop is now meeting local demand and is being distributed to Dhaka and other regions.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) reported that last year, water chestnuts were cultivated on 164 hectares, which has now expanded to 250 hectares in the 2025-26 fiscal year. This reflects a growing interest in this crop, especially as it offers a use for waterlogged areas unsuitable for other crops such as Aman paddy.
Farmers in areas like Satkhira Sadar, Kalaroa, Debhata, Kaliganj, Ashashuni, and Shyamnagar are increasingly turning to water chestnut cultivation. This is especially appealing due to the crop's taste and nutritional value, and its potential as an alternative to conventional crops.
The expansion of water chestnut farming is bringing economic benefits to small-scale farmers and creating seasonal employment, particularly for rural women and disadvantaged workers. For instance, Mukul Sardar, a farmer from Debhata upazila, noted that cultivating water chestnuts on waterlogged land is profitable as it offers nearly double the production cost in returns.
Sufia Khatun, a laborer in the field, earns Taka 300 daily, highlighting how this cultivation provides a livelihood for women facing economic hardship. Another farmer, Al-Amin Hossain, sells the harvest beside the Satkhira-Kaliganj road and expects a yield of 15 to 20 maunds per bigha. Wholesale prices are currently around Taka 40 per kilogram.
Acting Deputy Director of DAE, Iqbal Ahmed, emphasized that water chestnut farming is transforming waterlogged land into productive use, improving socioeconomic conditions, and contributing to the country's economy by meeting nutritional needs. If favorable weather conditions persist, sales in the district are anticipated to reach Taka 100 crore.
Satkhira's geographical location and varied climatic conditions present challenges, yet farmers are adopting innovative cultivation methods that suit local conditions. This growing interest in water chestnut farming is expected to further strengthen the district's agricultural economy and provide valuable income from previously unproductive land.