Sirajganj, Dec 07 (V7N)- For the first time in Sirajganj, cumin is being cultivated thanks to the initiative of agricultural entrepreneur Mahbubul Islam Palash. This pioneering effort is drawing attention from local farmers, with hopes of making cumin a profitable crop in the region.

Mahbubul Islam Palash, a resident of Bhadraghat village in Kamarkhand upazila, is widely recognized for his innovative agricultural ventures. A National Agriculture Award recipient, Palash has a sprawling green sanctuary with over 4,000 plants of 345 different species on his seven-bigha property. Inspired by his passion for farming and guided by the Agriculture Department, Palash decided to cultivate BARI-1 variety cumin on 10 decimal lands adjacent to his house.

Palash sourced 400 grams of cumin seeds from the spice research center in Bogura for Tk 2,000 and sowed them on the prepared land. He expects the crop to be ready for harvest in approximately 110 days, yielding around 20 kilograms of cumin. With cumin prices at around Tk 8,000 per kilogram, the projected earnings from this venture could reach Tk 1.6 lakh.

He shared his aspirations:

"If the yield is successful, I plan to expand cumin cultivation and supply seeds at an affordable rate to local farmers. I want to help them benefit from this high-value crop."

The success of Palash's initiative is already generating excitement among local farmers, who are visiting his farm to observe the cumin cultivation process. Many are showing keen interest in replicating this on their land, particularly in areas with suitable sandy-loam soil.

Kamarkhand Upazila Agriculture Officer Ratan Chandra Barman commented:

"This is an experimental attempt to grow cumin as a new crop in the region. The Agriculture Department is closely monitoring its progress, and we are optimistic about its potential."

If the experimental cultivation proves successful, it could open new doors for diversified farming in Sirajganj. With proper guidance and Palash's commitment to assisting local farmers, cumin cultivation could become a lucrative venture for the region, benefiting both farmers and the local economy.