Chapainawabganj Representative: Mulching cultivation is increasing in Chapainawabganj due to low cost. The Department of Agriculture says this method is environmentally friendly in the cultivation of poison-free vegetables. Covering the root of the seedling with different materials in a special manner is called mulch. And planting in this way is called ‘mulching method’. The use of mulching paper is also increasing as farming technology is modern day by day.
Farmers said that if cultivation is done by mulching method, the land needs to be irrigated less. Cultivated vegetables are also protected from insect attacks. As a result, less pesticides are needed. Besides, the soil is cool in summer and it is possible to maintain the required temperature in winter. All in all, farmers benefit from this method of cultivation.
According to the sources of Agriculture Department, 2 thousand 535 hectares of land in Chapainawabganj are being cultivated by mulching method. Among them, 500 hectares in Sadar upazila, 2 thousand hectares in Shibganj upazila, 20 hectares in Nachol upazila, 10 hectares in Gomstapur upazila and 5 hectares in Bholahat upazila are being cultivated by mulching method.
Yusuf Ali, director of Amira Agro Farm in Jamtala area of Chapainawabganj Sadar Upazila, said, ‘We have cultivated watermelons on 12 kata of land using ASI mulching paper. Weeds are reduced in this method. Besides, mulching method can retain soil moisture and prevent wastage of fertilizers. Besides, the yield of vegetables produced is also good.
A farmer named Saidur Rahman of Shibganj upazila said, ‘Mulching cultivation is increasing day by day in the area. I used mulching paper at first, others hesitated. Now they are the ones who are benefiting from using machling paper. There is no fear of loss due to the availability of mulching method of cultivation.
Farmer Shariful Islam of Gomstapur said, “I started farming with mulching method four years ago. Now we are cultivating watermelon, cucumber, bitter gourd and other vegetables in 5 bigha land. Covering the roots of plants with mulching paper keeps the sap in the soil for a long time. So less irrigation is needed, less weeds. In addition, weeding does not require labor. Insects do not attack, so pesticides need to be applied less.
General Secretary of Chapainawabganj Agricultural Association. Alam Manik of Munj said, ‘Mulching paper is an advanced method of modern agriculture. With the modernization of crop cultivation, the use of mulching paper is becoming popular. After planting vegetable seedlings, there is not much care to be done except for tending. This method also reduces the cost.
Kalyanpur Horticulture Center Deputy Director Dr. Bimal Kumar Pramanik said, ‘Earlier farmers used to mulch with straw. Mulching paper is now available. Cultivation of crops with mulching method has many advantages.
Deputy Director of Chapainawabganj District Agriculture Department. Palash Sarkar said, ‘Growing from seeds is done quickly if cultivation is done by mulching method. Conservation of soil sap and relief from weed suffering. After planting the crops, no maintenance is required except for maintenance. That is why farmers are leaning towards cultivating crops using mulching method.
