Farmers in Gauripur Thrive Through Mustard Seed Cultivation
Economic Growth Through Agriculture in Asharikandi
Gauripur, Dec 23: The village of Asharikandi, located near Gauripur, is renowned for its terracotta craftsmanship, with local artisans gaining recognition at the national level. Additionally, several farmers in this village have made significant strides in the agricultural sector of Dhubri district by successfully cultivating mustard seeds, contributing to their economic growth.
A diverse group of farmers, including Abdul Sahid Ali, Dewan Ali, Jahan Ali, Manmohan Barman, Ananda Barman, Najimuddin, Raham Ali, and Kadam Ali, cultivate mustard on plots ranging from 1.5 to 5 bighas. They typically plant their seeds in October and November, harvesting the mature plants by late March.
To enhance their yield, farmers prepare their fields with fertilizers such as urea, DSP, and Super Phosphate.
Mustard seeds are usually purchased at prices between Rs 70-80 per kg from local markets, although some farmers use seeds from their own reserves. After sowing, the mustard plants typically begin to bloom within about 25 days.
According to the farmers, they harvest approximately 4-5 maunds of mustard seeds per bigha, selling their produce for Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,200 per maund. Their earnings range from Rs 3,500 to Rs 8,500 depending on the size of their plots.
When asked about government assistance, the farmers expressed disappointment, stating that no officials from the agriculture department have visited to provide guidance on improving their mustard cultivation practices.
Furthermore, they highlighted the absence of a minimum support price for mustard seeds in their region and noted that there are no local centers for selling their produce. Consequently, they often find themselves reliant on middlemen.
The farmers have appealed to the government for support in expanding their mustard cultivation efforts to boost production and enhance their economic prospects.
Ambu Nath Sharma