Black cumin cultivation, locally known as "kalijira," is gaining strong popularity among farmers in Ishwardi upazila as rising market demand and steady prices make the crop increasingly profitable. Farmers in the area are achieving good returns from relatively low production costs, prompting a sharp rise in cultivation over the past five years. According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, black cumin was cultivated on around 15 hectares in the 2025-26 fiscal year, compared to just 6 hectares five years ago-more than doubling the cultivated area. The crop is mainly grown across Sara union and several other villages under Ishwardi municipality and surrounding unions. Farmers said the expansion reflects strong profitability and reduced production risk compared to many other winter crops.
Agriculture officials said black cumin is typically sown in mid-November and harvested between late March and early April.
On average, farmers produce around four maunds per bigha, with market prices ranging between Tk 12,000 and Tk 13,000 per maund.
Farmers reported attractive profits due to low input costs. One farmer, Shahidul Islam from Gopalpur village, said he spent around Tk 8,000 to Tk 10,000 on one bigha of land and harvested four maunds. Selling at current market rates, he earned around Tk 48,000, making a profit of nearly Tk 38,000 after expenses.
Another farmer, a person with disability from the same area, said black cumin cultivation had proven highly beneficial for him, especially with support from agricultural offices in terms of seeds and fertilizers.
Sub-assistant agriculture officer Abdul Alim said total production costs per bigha range between Tk 10,000 and Tk 15,000, while farmers can harvest the crop within 130 to 150 days of sowing. He noted that low pest infestation and stable market prices are encouraging more farmers to shift toward the crop.
Agriculture extension officials said the region's soil and climate are highly suitable for black cumin cultivation, contributing to strong yields this year due to favorable weather conditions.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdus Momin said black cumin has become one of the most profitable winter crops in Ishwardi, offering farmers double or even higher returns compared to production costs. He added that low disease risk and strong market demand are driving rapid expansion of cultivation. Experts from the Department of Agricultural Extension also highlighted the medicinal and commercial value of black cumin. The spice is widely used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Unani and is also a common ingredient in local cuisine. It contains numerous nutrients and bioactive compounds, making it valuable for health benefits.
They further noted that black cumin is used to produce oil and capsules and is known for its antioxidant and immunity-boosting properties. The plant's flowers also produce high-quality honey, which is valued in international markets. With rising demand and increasing farmer interest, black cumin is emerging as a promising cash crop in Ishwardi, reshaping the local agricultural economy.
