Kushtia:Farmers in Kushtia's Mirpur upazila are moving away from tobacco cultivation to grow papayas, aiming to improve their financial security and reduce health risks associated with tobacco farming.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the shift is supported by the government's Sustainable Agricultural Extension Project for the Jashore Region, which provides training and incentives to farmers for adopting high-value crops like papaya. The need for this transition is urgent, as nearly 30,000 hectares of land in Kushtia are dominated by tobacco, impacting soil health and reducing food grain production.
Six tobacco companies, including British American Tobacco, have historically attracted about 25,000 local farmers to tobacco farming through financial incentives. Despite the health hazards and soil degradation caused by tobacco, the lure of quick cash has kept many farmers engaged in its cultivation.
However, the success of farmers like Jamirul Islam, who shifted to papaya farming, is changing perspectives. After investing Taka 60,000 in papaya saplings, Jamirul earned Taka 107,000 from his first harvest, which was collected directly by traders, reducing additional costs. The success story is inspiring other farmers, like Mohidul Islam, to follow suit.
Agricultural officials note the increased interest in papaya cultivation, with support from the Department of Agricultural Extension indicating potential profits far exceeding those from tobacco. Government initiatives continue to promote crop diversification and modern agricultural practices, aiming for a sustainable agricultural transformation in the region.