An unusual crop is now being grown on fallow wetlands and low land that stays submerged during the aman season in rural Joypurhat. On this flooded land farmers are growing panifal, or water chestnut, a nutritious natural fruit.

It is grown in Gotonshahar, Parail, Mirzapur, Dharanji and nearby areas. The brown or blackish fruit grows slowly beneath green leaves floating on the water. It costs little, yields well and demand in the market is rising, making water chestnut a new source of hope for Joypurhat's farmers.

Farmers here are becoming self-reliant with this crop, which takes only three months, and women are playing a leading role alongside men. Farmers say they chose this alternative because water stands on the low land in the aman season. Spending only Tk 5,000-6,000 per bigha gives a yield of 45 to 50 maunds, worth about Tk 60,000.

Babul Hossain, a grower in Gotonshahar village, said he has grown water chestnut on about 2 bighas this year. The land used to lie empty and waterlogged; now he sells 50-60kg at market every day. The wholesale price is Tk 25-30 a kg and it sells retail at Tk 40. It needs little fertiliser or pesticide; with a water body and care, the yield is good.

Not only men but many women entrepreneurs are coming forward. Roksana Begum said she wades into the pond in the morning to pick the fruit and sells it at market in the afternoon, which helps cover some of her household costs.

Local youth Mehedi Hasan said that although he has no cultivable land, he buys wholesale here and sells retail, making a profit of Tk 1,500 to 2,000 a day.

Agriculturist AKM Sadiqul Islam, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), said water chestnut has been grown on about 30 hectares in Joypurhat. Although still on a limited scale, its potential is huge. He said the department has taken steps to ensure government support, training and market management, and is advising growers in good time.

Water chestnut is not only a livelihood for farmers but is also becoming popular among health-conscious people. District civil surgeon Dr Md Al Mamun said water chestnut helps keep the body cool, removes toxins and improves digestion. It contains calcium, potassium, antioxidants, vitamins C and B12 and iron, which maintain nutritional balance in bones and blood. He said it helps control high blood pressure, boosts immunity, brightens the skin and relieves gas and acidity.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.