Turmeric farming gains ground in Jashore
Farmers in Jashore are increasingly turning to commercial turmeric cultivation, encouraged by lower production costs, favourable soil and growing demand for the spice.
Turmeric farming is expanding across several upazilas of the district, known as the agricultural hub of southwestern Bangladesh, with support from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).
Farmers are also cultivating turmeric as an intercrop on fallow land and in the shaded areas of fruit orchards, making use of land that often remains unproductive. As a result, turmeric is gradually gaining importance as a profitable crop.
A recent visit to various fields in Chaugachha, Jhikargachha, Sharsha and Manirampur upazilas found that areas once left fallow or covered by the shade of trees are now filled with green turmeric plants.
According to DAE data, turmeric has been cultivated in all eight upazilas of Jashore this season. BARI Turmeric-1 and BARI Turmeric-2 are the most widely cultivated varieties.
Dr Tanvir Islam, assistant professor of the Department of Food and Nutrition Science at Jashore University of Science and Technology, said turmeric is a valuable spice crop rich in nutritional and medicinal properties.
Referring to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, he said moderate consumption of turmeric could be beneficial for health.
“However, it is important to ensure adulteration-free turmeric production and safe use,” he said.
Pratap Mondal, additional director of the DAE in Jashore, said that the soil of Jashore is highly suitable for cultivating spice crops.
“The agriculture department is providing farmers with improved varieties of seeds, fertiliser and training to encourage them to cultivate high-value spice crops,” he said.
He further said that although turmeric is a long-duration crop, it has high commercial value and good storage capacity.
“This initiative in Jashore could contribute to achieving self-sufficiency in spices and reducing dependence on imports,” he said.
Farmers said turmeric cultivation involves comparatively lower production costs and fewer pest and disease problems than rice and vegetables. After planting the rhizomes at the appropriate time, the crop does not require additional irrigation or chemical fertiliser. With proper care, farmers can therefore earn good returns from the crop.
Shafiqul Islam, a farmer from the Navaran area of Sharsha, said he previously cultivated rice and various vegetables but often struggled to make a profit because of high fertiliser and irrigation costs.
