Sylhet, Dec 1 (V7N) – Favorable weather conditions this year have resulted in a bumper harvest of seasonal beans (shim) in Jaintiapur Upazila of Sylhet, bringing smiles to local farmers. Currently, farmers are busy tending their bean fields, with harvest expected to begin in early December. However, continuous rainfall in October caused minor damage to some crops.

According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, approximately 350 hectares of land in Jaintiapur have been cultivated with beans and borbati this year. Notably, significant bean cultivation has taken place in several villages of No. 1 Nijpat Union.

The absence of excessive rainfall this season has kept pest attacks at bay, promising a higher yield compared to previous years. Nonetheless, some farmers, in pursuit of higher production, have used fertilizers and pesticides without proper planning, potentially affecting crop quality.

Speaking with farmers on-site, they expressed concerns over the lack of government support. Despite widespread bean cultivation, official assistance or guidance regarding proper use of fertilizers and pesticides remains largely absent. While agricultural office representatives occasionally visit fields for brief inspections, there is no consistent supervision.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Humayun Dildar admitted that he has only recently been posted to Jaintiapur and has limited knowledge of the area. He acknowledged that while bean cultivation is significant, he has not yet visited farms or interacted extensively with farmers.

Villages such as Kamrangi Khel, Pakhibil, Archauli, Horni, Bairakhel, Nayagram, Rupcheng, Lalkhal, Gauri, and Digrail Lokkhi Prasad in Nijpat Union are key bean-producing areas. The beans harvested here meet local demand and are also exported to Sylhet city and other regions of Bangladesh. Commercial cultivation of beans has transformed the livelihoods of many in the region, offering high returns with relatively low initial investment, though it requires intensive labor.

Local bean farmer Mahmud Ali said that tending to the bean fields from morning to evening is a full-time responsibility. He also noted that pesticides used to control pests can adversely affect health. “I have never received even one kilogram of fertilizer from the government,” he said, adding that no official has ever visited his bean farm.

Agricultural development and improved farmer livelihoods are crucial for advancing the country’s agribusiness. Ensuring proper support and addressing challenges faced by Jaintiapur’s bean farmers is the responsibility of the agriculture department. Upazila authorities must take active steps to resolve these issues to fully realize the region’s agricultural potential.

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