Sugarcane has produced a bumper yield in Kaliganj upazila of Gazipur, leaving local farmers very happy. They are also getting fair prices in the market, and interest in growing sugarcane is rising.

According to the local Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), last year 3,614 tonnes of sugarcane were grown on 60 hectares. This year that has risen to 3,735 tonnes on 62 hectares.

Sugarcane is grown to some extent in every union of the upazila, but more in Bahadursadi, Jamalpur, Moktarpur and Kaliganj municipality. Various varieties are grown, but Ishurdi 16 and 36, Tenai, and BSRI 41 and 42 are the most common. If the growing interest among local farmers continues, the target will be exceeded in future.

It is now the peak season for sugarcane, which is available in both hot and cold seasons. Sugarcane is the main raw material for sugar production in Bangladesh. Its juice is a sweet drink, light to dark green in colour, described as natural mineral water that not only quenches thirst but also helps prevent various diseases. Because sugarcane can be marketed within seven to eight months of planting, many farmers are becoming self-reliant by growing it.

Abdur Rahman, a grower from Bashair village in Bahadursadi union, said he grew sugarcane on 10 decimals last year at a cost of Tk 34,000 and sold it wholesale for Tk 40,000. This year, on the same land, he spent Tk 44,000 and sold the crop for Tk 55,000.

Islam Sarkar of Khalapara village in the same union said: "I do all the work myself, so costs are low. On 9 decimals it cost me only Tk 10,000–15,000. Last year I sold the cane from the same land at the same cost for Tk 80,000; this year I sold it for Tk 1.2 lakh."

Abdul Baten of the same village said he grew sugarcane on just 5 decimals, the same area as last year. Last year he sold it for Tk 32,000; this year for Tk 40,000.

Abed Ali of Deulia village in Baktarpur union said he has grown sugarcane on 4 bighas for the first time this year, inspired by a neighbour last year. He is happy with the yield and the fair price.

Akhter Hossain of Ghonapara village in Kaliganj municipality said: "My neighbours Dulal Hossain, Maju Mia, Panir Hossain, Akram Hossain and I — five of us — have taken 4 bighas on sharecrop from a local landowner and are growing sugarcane together. We are all happy with the yield and the fair price."

Dr Md Saiful Islam, Kaliganj upazila health and family planning officer (acting), said sugarcane juice relieves fatigue and is equally good for the skin; it is also called a natural energy drink. Adding it to the diet of pregnant women is beneficial: it helps conception and ensures a safe pregnancy. The juice is rich in folic acid, or vitamin B9, which protects against birth defects such as spina bifida.

He said it also reduces women's ovulation problems and increases the chance of conception. Drinking the juice helps with tooth decay and bad breath. It contains minerals such as calcium and phosphorus that help form tooth enamel, and children who chew sugarcane and drink the juice have fewer dental problems. The calcium in the juice helps strengthen teeth and bones, and sugarcane is very good for stomach problems.

Kaliganj upazila agriculture officer Farzana Taslim, an agriculturist, said: "In the areas of the upazila where more sugarcane is grown, the local DAE has given growers training and demonstrations as well as sugarcane crushing machines. Field-level agriculture officers are also advising them on applying fertiliser and on pests and diseases at every stage, from planting to harvest."

Source: BSS. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.