Shibchar's once-barren sandbars become profitable peanut fields, transforming livelihoods and boosting farmers' incomes through agricultural innovation. Photo : BSS

MADARIPUR, July 20, 2026 (BSS) - Vast sandbars in Shibchar upazila of the district, once considered largely uncultivable due to the sandy soil, have 
been transformed into productive farmland through large-scale peanut cultivation. 

Favorable weather, suitable sandy soil, and attractive market prices have encouraged farmers to expand peanut farming, turning previously barren char 
lands into a major source of livelihood and income.

A visit to several char areas, including Char Janajat, Madbarer Char, Kathalbari, Sannyasir Char, Bandar Khola, Bahertala North, Bahertala South, 
Nilkhi and Shiruail unions, revealed farmers and their family members busy from early morning harvesting peanuts, separating the pods from the plants, 
and drying them under the sun before marketing the produce.

Local farmers said the fertile sandy soil of the Padma River chars is highly suitable for peanut cultivation. Although comparatively little chemical 
fertilizer and pesticide are used, regular weeding and proper field management ensure good yields. As a result, the area under peanut cultivation 
has been increasing every year.

According to farmers, cultivating peanuts on one bigha (approximately 33 decimals) of land costs between Taka 12,000 and Taka 15,000. Under favorable 
conditions, each bigha yields around seven to eight maunds of peanuts. The crop is currently selling at Taka 5,500 to Taka 6,000 per maund, providing 
farmers with substantial profits.

Rahim Sheikh, a farmer from Char Janajat, said last year's harvest was affected by unfavorable weather, but this season production has been 
significantly better.

Rubel Khan, a farmer from Bandar Khola, said the char lands previously produced very few crops, but peanut cultivation has changed the situation. 
"Farmers are getting good yields and market prices, so everyone is satisfied," he said.

Another farmer, Halim Molla, said peanuts are currently selling for Taka 5,000 to Taka 6,000 per maund, making the crop highly profitable.

Shikha Begum, a woman farmer, said agriculture is the primary source of employment in the char areas. "Earlier, we could not grow other crops because 
of the sandy soil. Now the same sandbars have become a blessing. Peanut cultivation gives us good returns, allowing us to cover our household 
expenses and our children's education," she said.

According to the Shibchar Upazila Agriculture Office, peanuts have been cultivated on nearly 690 hectares of land in the upazila during the current 
season, including 120 hectares in Char Janajat Union alone.

Average production stands at around 2,300 kilograms per hectare. Besides local markets, traders from neighboring districts are purchasing peanuts 
directly from the char areas.

Shibchar Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Alimuzzaman told BSS that many char lands in the upazila had remained uncultivated for years before farmers 
successfully introduced peanut farming.

"Previously uncultivated land has now been brought under production, and peanut cultivation has become a profitable farming enterprise. Farmers are 
receiving good prices," he said.

He added that the soil and environmental conditions of the char areas are highly suitable for peanut cultivation. With improved seed varieties, modern 
farming techniques, and continued support from the Department of Agricultural Extension, peanut production in the region is expected to increase further.

Agriculture experts believe that strengthening market access, storage facilities, and agricultural support services would help establish Shibchar's 
vast char lands as one of Bangladesh's leading peanut-producing regions, boosting farmers' incomes while contributing positively to the national 
economy.