Photo: BSS

SHERPUR, Jan 18, 2025 (BSS) - Farmers in the char areas of the district are increasingly turning to groundnut cultivation, attracted by its low production cost, minimal labor requirements, high yield and lucrative market price. 

The quality of groundnut produced in the region has created strong demand across the country, while the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has pledged continued support to expand cultivation further.

According to the district agriculture office, although the target for groundnut cultivation this season was set at 126 hectares, farmers have already cultivated groundnut on 127 hectares of land. 

Groundnut farming has expanded significantly in Charmocharia, Lachmanpur and Kamar Char areas of Sadar upazila, as well as Chandrakona, Char Ashtadhar, Urfa and Pathakata villages of Nakla upazila. 

Farmers said the cultivation cost per bigha is between Taka 3,000 and Taka 4,000, while profits reach Taka 10,000 to Taka 12,000 per bigha, encouraging more growers to adopt the crop.

Harvesting, sorting and drying of almonds are currently underway, creating seasonal employment opportunities for many local men and women.

Md Azgar Ali, a 50-year-old farmer from Char Ashtadhar village in Nakla upazila, said groundnut cultivation requires neither chemical fertilizers nor pesticides. He added that farmers can grow additional crops such as paddy or maize after almond harvesting, allowing cultivation of up to three crops on the same land. 

 The high and uncultivated char lands are especially suitable for groundnut farming,  he said.

Another farmer, Malek Mia, 48, from Choto Jhauer Char in Lachmanpur union of Sherpur Sadar, said nut cultivation costs around Taka 10,000 to Taka 12,000 per bigha, while profits range from Taka 30,000 to Taka 35,000 per bigha. 

He said that groundnut from Sherpur fetch a good price due to their improved quality, with traders purchasing them for markets across the country. During peak season, groundnut sell for Taka 3,200 to Taka 3,400 per maund.

Wholesalers and agricultural traders observed that groundnut cultivation is becoming increasingly profitable nationwide. They described groundnut as a versatile crop used for food, oil extraction and industrial processing, with year-round market demand.

Groundnut wholesaler Jasim Uddin said that since the crop is storable, farmers can wait for favorable prices. 

However, he stressed the need for improved varieties, modern drying facilities, proper processing and grading to enhance market value and competitiveness in international markets.

Trader Joynal Mia said retail prices currently range from Taka 280 to Taka 300 per kilogram. 

He suggested that direct sales through wholesale markets or cooperatives would reduce middlemen and ensure fair prices for farmers. He also emphasized the importance of government support through improved seeds, modern storage technology and easy access to credit.

Officials from the District Agriculture Department said groundnut cultivation is about twice as profitable as many traditional crops and that nut plants also serve as fodder for livestock.

Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain, Deputy Director of DAE said groundnut is being cultivated on previously fallow char lands where other crops are difficult to grow.  Due to good prices and huge market demand, groundnut production is increasing in Sherpur, and farmers are benefiting significantly,  he said, adding that the DAE continues to provide technical advice and support to growers.