Farmers in Rangpur char areas show interest in growing sweet potato

RANGPUR, Jan 14: The farmers of different char areas under the district are showing their interest in the cultivation of sweet potato for the high demand and profit.

Low production cost and easy cultivation process made the growers eager in its cultivation and for this reason its cultivation has increased considerably in char areas of the region, sources said.

Aminul, a sweet potato cultivator of Char Pallimari in Kawnia upazila said he has cultivated the crop on 35 decimals of land this season by spending about Tk 4,000. He has already earned Tk 14,000 by selling his produce and is hopeful of getting more during the rest of the season.

Rabiul, another sweet potato grower of Char Mahipur village in Gangachara upazila told the FE that he has brought 40 decimals of land under the cultivation of the crop this season. He has earned Tk 16,000 so far from the sale of the produce.

Some sweet potato growers said, sandy char lands are very suitable for the cultivation of the crop. A farmer can produce 70-80 maunds of the crop on one bigha of land. Per maund sweet potato can be sold between Tk 500 to Tk 700. Its cultivation cost is also very low as it needs less fertiliser and irrigation. Only Tk 5000 to Tk 6000   is required for the cultivation of the crop one bigha of land.

Farmers said the crop is being cultivated abundantly in char areas of the district and its adjacent districts in recent years.

DAE official sources said on account of plentiful production and satisfactory market price compared to some other varieties of crops its cultivation is on the rise in the region. The department is also providing necessary advices and other supports to the growers to enhance its production, sources added.

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