Dinajpur: Farmers in Birganj upazila are celebrating a successful harvest of kaun (foxtail millet) cultivated alongside groundnuts, marking a new chapter in sustainable agriculture for the region. This innovative intercropping strategy, inspired by previous successes in Bochaganj upazila, promises increased yields and improved livelihoods for local farmers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Md. Rafiqul Islam, an enterprising young farmer from Muraripur village, has pioneered this method, drawing inspiration from online resources and local agricultural expertise. With guidance from Agricultural Field Officer Sabuj Ahmed, Rafiqul Islam planted groundnut seeds during the Bangla month of Agrahayan and later introduced kaun seeds to the same plot. The crops matured concurrently, with kaun spikes ripening above groundnuts, demonstrating the effectiveness of this symbiotic agricultural approach.
The resurgence of kaun cultivation, once a staple in the region, is noted by Professor ATM Shafiqul Islam from Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University. He highlights the growing demand for kaun rice in local markets, where it is used in traditional dishes like “Payesh” and “Kheer.” This market shift, combined with technological advancements, has encouraged farmers to maximize land use by cultivating multiple crops simultaneously.
Professor Islam’s observations in Bochaganj upazila reveal similar successes in other companion cropping ventures, like sweet pumpkin in mango and litchi orchards. He emphasizes the potential for significant gains for marginal farmers through such innovative practices, advocating for further research and support from academic institutions.
Local agricultural authorities, including Birganj Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Shariful Islam and DAE Deputy Director Md. Afzal Hossain, are optimistic about the economic benefits of modern agricultural technologies. They report promising results from young farmers like Nurul Islam, who has successfully embraced this intercropping method. Kaun rice now commands a market price exceeding Taka 100 per kilogram, forecasting substantial profits for farmers.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) continues to champion companion cropping as a strategy to optimize land use in Dinajpur, particularly in the district’s many mango and litchi orchards. With ongoing support and innovation, the region’s agricultural landscape is poised for transformative growth.