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Cultivation of 'Latiraj Kachu ' increases  in  Chatmohar as it turns profitable

Cultivation of 'Latiraj Kachu ' increases in Chatmohar as it turns profitable

 

Mamun Hossain, Pabna 
 
Farmers in Chatmohar are increasingly turning to commercial cultivation of Latiraj Bari-1 kachu due to high yields, growing market demand, and low risk of diseases and pests. Additionally, they are earning significant profits by selling kachu lathi (stems) as an extra crop.
 
Unlike other kachu varieties with smaller, thinner, and longer leaves and plants, Latiraj kachu has green, slightly flattened stems that grow 90–100 cm long, with purple leaf joints and stalks. The lifespan of this kachu is typically 180–210 days.
 
According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, approximately 55 hectares of land in Chatmohar were used for Latiraj kachu cultivation this year, with the highest cultivation in Chaikola, Mulgram, Mathurapur, Bil Chalan, Haripur, and Handial. The agriculture department notes that Latiraj kachu is a popular vegetable, and its stems can be harvested from 75 days after planting for up to seven months. To promote cultivation on fallow, waterlogged, and shaded lands, the department has been raising awareness among farmers through field demonstrations, training, video presentations, and various advisory services under the kachu cultivation project.
 
Local farmers report that kachu is used diversely as a vegetable in Bangladesh. The leaves are consumed as greens, the firm body and stems as vegetables, and the roots as a nutritious curry. With proper care, farmers can earn Tk 1–1.5 lakh per bigha (33 decimals) after expenses. They note that kachu can be grown in most soils, particularly in loamy and sandy loam soils, and thrives in shaded areas. Among various kachu varieties, Bari-1 and Bari-2 are considered best for stem production.
 
Rahabul Rahman Rokn, an agricultural entrepreneur inspired by YouTube and other sources, completed a diploma in pharmacy from Pabna BIMT and began cultivating Latiraj kachu on 1.5 bighas of fallow, shaded land in Handial this year alongside his rural medical practice. He sourced saplings from Chapainawabganj and planted them in December. Stems began appearing a few months later, initially sold at Tk 100–120 per kg, and now at Tk 60–70 per kg in local markets and wholesale. His initial investment was Tk 35,000, with total expenses reaching Tk 1 lakh. He expects a profit of Tk 1–1.5 lakh after all costs if production remains strong.
 
Another farmer, Chaiful Islam from Handial Pakpara, cultivates various vegetables year-round and grew Latiraj kachu on 1 bigha this year. Managing land preparation, planting, weeding, and irrigation single-handedly, he reports that with good yields and minimal pest or disease issues, a bigha can produce about 60 maunds (2,400 kg) of kachu stems. Having cultivated kachu for three years due to its short cycle and profitability, he sells his produce in Chatmohar, Bhangura, Faridpur, and local markets at wholesale rates of Tk 2,500–2,800 per maund.
 
Daily labourer Mukul Hossain, who works in kachu fields for Tk 600 per day, manages his own farmland while earning additional income through tasks like field maintenance and stem harvesting. He says this work has significantly improved his financial stability.
 
Local farmer Abdul Rahim observes that while farmers in the area traditionally grow paddy, mustard, and maize, commercial kachu cultivation has gained traction in recent years. Requiring minimal effort, low costs, and no pesticides, kachu fields are also safe from grazing animals and need little supervision. Inspired, he plans to cultivate kachu next season.
 
Md. Rafiqul Islam Roni, Director of Handial Muniadighi Agricultural College, emphasizes that Latiraj kachu is a highly popular vegetable, meeting domestic demand and being exported abroad. As a nutrient-rich water kachu, it ranks just behind mukhi kachu in production. He believes scientific cultivation can address unemployment and transform farmers’ fortunes.
 
Chatmohar Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Jasim Uddin notes that farmers consistently profit from selling kachu and its stems, though the labor-intensive nature deters some. Dedicated farmers cultivate it annually, benefiting from its suitability for waterlogged, shaded lands. The agriculture office also provides guidance on ginger and turmeric cultivation near homesteads and supports farmers through various projects.

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