Farmers in Sreenagar busy caring for sugarcane crops
Khan Suzoan, Sreenagar (Munshiganj)
Farmers in Sreenagar, Munshiganj, are currently busy tending to their sugarcane fields. They are completing various maintenance tasks before the monsoon waters of Asharh (Bengali month) arrive.
Sugarcane cultivation is ongoing across the eastern parts of the upazila, including Atpara, Birtara, Singpara, Beltali, Sufiganj, Tantar, Pania, and Brahmankhola. In these areas, sugarcane saplings have been planted alongside potato crops as companion crops.
According to sources, approximately 100 hectares of land in Sreenagar have been targeted for the cultivation of various varieties of sugarcane this year.
On a field visit, it was observed that lush rows of sugarcane are growing vigorously across different fields in Birtara, Atpara, and Tantar unions. Farmers are currently engaged in earthing up soil at the base of the sugarcane plants and removing dead and dried leaves to ensure healthy growth.
Suruj Sheikh, son of Tokani Madbar from Birtara, mentioned that he has planted sugarcane and tomatoes as companion crops on around 300 decimals of his potato land. Although potato production was satisfactory this year, farmers have not been receiving the expected price for their yield. Last year, he faced losses in potatoes but profited from sugarcane cultivation.
Other sugarcane farmers such as Aminul Islam, Zainal Sheikh, Jatindra Das, Din Islam, and Abul Hossain said that floodwaters may soon enter their fields. Therefore, they are diligently taking care of the sugarcane beforehand. Unlike previous years, water has not yet entered the fields, and it is expected to arrive around Asharh. If knee- or waist-deep water accumulates in the fields, they plan to start harvesting early sugarcane.
The farmers are optimistic about making a profit from sugarcane grown as a companion crop with potatoes.
It is known that juicy and sweet sugarcane is usually traded in this region during the Bengali months of Shraban, Bhadra, Ashwin, and Kartik. These nutritious sugarcanes will be available at local markets. During the peak season, a sugarcane wholesale market emerges at Harpara, adjacent to Chanbari on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway in Srinagar. A large portion of the locally produced sugarcane is sold at this market.The most widely cultivated varieties in the fields are Ishwardi-27 and Amrit.
Sreenagar Upazila Agriculture Officer Mohsina Jahan Toron said that local farmers cultivate sugarcane alongside potatoes on their own initiative. Before planting, farmers are advised to properly clean and wash the sugarcane seeds. Although there is no government allocation specifically for sugarcane cultivation in the region, comprehensive advice and support are provided to ensure good yields and disease-free crops.This year, sugarcane has been cultivated on about 100 hectares of land in the upazila.
