RANGPUR, Sept 21: Farmers in different upazilas under Rangpur district are delighted as they are making extra profit through cultivation of arum on their land during the current season.
A few years ago, the supply of arum was scanty but now it is found in abundance in local markets. The district witnessed a good yield of it this season owing to congenial weather condition, suitable soil and adequate help from DAE offices.
The farmers are now cultivating arum on commercial basis. Different varieties of it are cultivated in the region. Almost all the varieties are grown in the water-logged areas.
Mohsin Ali (50) of Mirzapur area under Mithapukur Upazila in the district said he cultivated Taro Arum (Mukhi Kachu or Boi Kachu) and got a good harvest of the crop this season. He said adding that a farmer can get 2-3 maund of Taro Arum from each decimal of land.
Shafiqul (45), an arum grower at Projapara village under Pirganj Upazila told FE that the cultivation of arum has become lucrative nowadays. A farmer can earn about Tk 40,000 to Tk 50,000 by cultivating arum on one bigha of land, he said.
Raihan Miah at Tilokpara village in Mithapukur Upazila said, he has cultivated Creeper Arum (Loti Kachu) on one bigha of land this season. He has already earned Tk 20,000 and is optimistic about getting more dividends during the remaining part of the season.
Talking to The Financial Express a number of farmers of the district said, farmers who once used to cultivate paddy, wheat, jute and other crops in their fields are now cultivating arum and other varieties of vegetables as the cultivation of these has become more profitable than the cultivation of other crops.
"I can buy adequate fresh vegetables from different markets of Rangpur district at cheaper cost," said Moines Islam, a trader from Dhaka. The farmers, however, allege that they are not getting fair prices as middlemen are controlling the markets depriving them of profit.
They urged the government to take necessary steps to erect more cold storages in the district for preserving huge quantity of vegetables.
Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) sources said, the farmers of the district are expected to grow huge quantity of arum and other vegetables this year as they prefer cultivating vegetables to other crops. Use of modern technology and quick compost has enhanced the production of vegetables significantly, sources added.
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