Pabna farmers inclined to cultivation of summer palong

PABNA, Aug 13: Pabna farmers in nine upazilas of the district have started cultivation of summer Palong Shak (spinach), a vitamin enriched leafy vegetable.

They are becoming solvent by farming the vegetable alongside chilli and bean cultivation. A large number of farmers of the district have involved themselves in summer Palong Shak cultivation in recent times considering its economic aspect.

The same farmers also cultivate Palong Shak on high lands and in the premises of their houses; but at present, they have started cultivating it on a commercial basis.

Palon Shak is a very common, fast growing and cheap vegetable of the country.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) of Pabna took a plan to motivate farmers to cultivate Palong Shak in the nine upazilas of the district in the current summer season. About 782 hectares of land have been brought under its cultivation this summer season with a production target of 4,731 tonnes.

According to the DAE sources, upazila-wise break-up of the land were brought under summer Palong Shak cultivation. In Pabna sadar upazila about 45 hectares of land has been brought under Palong Shak cultivation; in Atghoria 90 hectares while 70 hectares in Chatmohar upazila, in Bhangur upazila 85 hectares, in Faridpiur upazila 55 hectares, in Santhia upazial 92 hectares, in Bera upazila 80 hectares, in Sujanagar upazila 105 hectares while 160 hectares in Ishwardi upazila.

Iqtiar Uddin, a summer Palong grower of Debottor in Atghoria upazila told The Financial Express, he cultivated summer Palong Shak on one and a half bigha of land and expended Tk 3,200 and earned Tk 7,300.

The DAE has inspired and motivated the farmers to grow chemical free vegetables including Palong Shak. They asked the farmers to attend various agriculture fairs and get training. Various motivational programme and agriculture exhibitions promoted by AED also inspire them, an expert on vegetables of the DAE said.

    motiarfe@gmail.com