GOPALGANJ, July 21: Sugarcane cultivation is gaining popularity among the farmers of Kasiani upazila in the district.
According to the Kasiani upazila agriculture office sources, about 200 hectares of land have been brought under Ishwardi-16 sugarcane cultivation in the upazila with the production target of 5,600 tonnes.
At least 800 farmers are growing the Ishwardi-16 sugarcane in the area this season, office sources added.
Tabibur Shiekh of Pingulia village under Kasiani upazila said he cultivated Ishwardi-16 sugarcane on about four bighas of land this year.
The farmer said, "I've already spent around Tk 0.1 million and am expecting to make a profit of Tk 0.22 million", he added.
Rashamay Mondal, upazila agriculture officer, Kasiani, said Ishwardi-16 sugarcane is profitable. Growers can make a good profit by supplying the produce to the Faridpur Sugar Mills Limited in Madhukhali upazila.
Another grower Mohan Miah of Kairhat village said per tonne of sugarcane is sold at Tk 3,700 in the local market.
"It is possible to earn handsome money from the cash crop", he added.
Sajal Imran, sub-assistant agriculture officer, Barashur Block, said sugarcane growers in this region are more benefited from the crop because the growers are getting double benefit from the total investment.
"Cultivators should expand the farming of the cash crop to boost the production", the official added.
alimuzzaman81@gmail.com