Cultivation of Chinese peanuts, known as a nutritious and profitable cash crop, has reached a promising stage in Sreemangal this season.
As the soil and climate of the upazila are suitable for peanut farming, the crop has been cultivated on three hectares of land during the current season. Under the initiative of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), five demonstration plots have also been established. Agriculture officials hope the crop will produce a good yield this season and encourage more farmers to cultivate peanuts in the future. Sreemangal Upazila Agriculture Extension Officer Ujjal Sutradhar said incentives and demonstration plots have been provided to farmers to expand the use of modern agricultural technologies and increase cultivation.
He said, "Chinese peanut is a profitable cash crop. It can be cultivated at relatively low cost, and because of its good market price, farmers are getting opportunities to benefit financially."
He added that the soil and climate of Sreemangal are highly suitable for peanut cultivation. Farmers are therefore being encouraged to grow the crop, while regular technical support is being provided in the field through demonstration plots and modern cultivation methods.
According to the Agriculture Extension Office, Chinese peanuts are highly nutritious and contain protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamin E, calcium, and several other nutrients.
The crop also helps reduce the risk of heart disease, control body weight, regulate blood sugar levels, and improve memory.
Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Roni Deb Roy said that due to water shortages during the Rabi season, cultivating crops on high or medium-high land remains a major challenge.
However, considering soil conditions and water sources, peanut cultivation was introduced in the Amrailchhara area of Satgaon Union under an agricultural incentive program.
He said farmer Sadhan Das cultivated peanuts on 33 decimals of land with support from the Agriculture Office, which provided seeds and fertilizers.
Although the farmer initially had no prior experience cultivating peanuts, regular field-level guidance was provided. Seeing the success of the crop, neighboring farmers have also become interested and are expressing willingness to cultivate peanuts next season.
Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Suma Pal said peanut cultivation has taken place this year in the areas of Amrailchhara, Satgaon, Sreemangal Sadar, Bhunbir, Sindurkhan, Ashidron, and Kalapur.
Seeds and fertilizers were distributed to farmers under the agricultural incentive program.
She added, "This year, peanuts have been cultivated on three hectares of land in Sreemangal.
Five demonstration plots have been established. If weather conditions remain favorable, we expect an excellent yield."
Agriculture experts believe that because of low production costs, high profitability, and nutritional value, Chinese peanut cultivation will gradually become more popular in Sreemangal. They say the crop will not only increase farmers' income but also contribute to ensuring nutritional security.
