Groundnut cultivation is increasing in Nilphamari as farmers look for higher profits. Low risk, wide demand and good market prices have pushed the area under groundnut up this season compared with last time. Because groundnut is profitable at low cost, farmers are becoming more interested in it day by day.

More land has been sown with groundnut than last year. The crop does well in sandy loam soil. It needs less labour than other crops, and because it suffers fewer diseases there is less trouble with pesticides; a few fungicide sprays are enough for a good crop. With groundnut fetching good prices, local farmers have been turning to it for the past few years.

According to the Nilphamari district agriculture department, the target this year is groundnut on 1,020 hectares in the district's six upazilas, with a production target of 2,377 tonnes.

The department said groundnut is grown in many suitable areas of the district, including Khalicha Chapani, Jhunagachh Chapani, Balapara, Jharsingshwar Char, the Teesta chars, Chilmarir Danga, Boro Rauta, Chilai, Joldan Para, Bogurar Danga and Bhogdaburi.

Anwarul Islam, a groundnut farmer in the Chikonmati area of Domar, told Jagonews24: "I used to grow jute; now I grow groundnut. I have been growing groundnut for 20 years. It costs Tk 14,000–18,000 per bigha, and I sell the crop for Tk 40,000–50,000. Groundnut costs little to grow."

"This year I have grown groundnut on 2 bighas," he said. "Each bigha needs 20 kg of seed, at Tk 200 per kg. Each bigha yields 10–14 maunds. I sowed in Falgun and will start lifting the groundnuts at the end of Jyoishtho."

Ali Hossain of Boro Rauta told Jagonews24: "I grow my own seed groundnut, so my costs are very low. Groundnut farming has brought prosperity to my family. Three types are popular here: Chilmari, hybrid and Lori. Hybrid and Lori fetch somewhat higher prices. High, sandy land is suitable for groundnut."

Rubel Islam, a groundnut farmer in Chawra Borogachha union, told Jagonews24: "Before sowing, the land must be well prepared with 3–4 ploughings, because the nuts grow bigger when the soil is soft. The field has to be sprayed 2–3 times before harvest, at Tk 200 per bigha per spray. Fertiliser is applied twice per bigha: potash and 'dhep' fertiliser, 20 kg each per bigha."

Arif Hossain, a farmer at Char Kisamat in Khogakharibari union, told Jagonews24: "Groundnut does not cost much to grow and takes less labour. So this year I have grown it on 10 bighas and hope for a good yield. If I get a good market price, I can make a profit."

Koneshwar Roy, sub-assistant agriculture officer for Domar Sadar union, told Jagonews24: "We are constantly advising farmers in the area on producing high-yielding groundnut at low cost. We also advise measured use of pesticides to keep the crop free of diseases."

Domar upazila agriculture officer Rafiqul Islam said: "Groundnut has been grown on 750 hectares in the upazila. With favourable weather, the agriculture department expects a good yield this year. Farmers grow groundnut after harvesting aman and potatoes, and plant aman paddy after lifting the groundnuts. Farmers can grow three crops a year on the land, which benefits them in every way."

Dr SM Abu Bakar Saiful Islam, deputy director of the district office of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), told Jagonews24: "Groundnut is a profitable crop, so upazila sub-assistant agriculture officers have been instructed to give farmers advice and support."

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