Farmers are increasingly opting to grow garlic without any obstacles

Farmers from 11 unions in the Chatmohar upazila of Pabna have embraced garlic cultivation, often referred to as white gold, without any obstacles. Despite the relatively low prices of garlic last year, these farmers remained committed to growing it.

They assert that, although the prices are not high, the profits from garlic cultivation are significantly greater than those from other crops, thanks to lower cultivation costs and fewer complications. All 11 unions in the upazila engage in garlic farming without hindrance.

In the Chalanbil area, garlic farming has emerged as one of the most lucrative crops for local farmers. This practice has been ongoing in the upazila for over twenty years. Women are instrumental in the garlic planting process, taking charge of seed selection and planting. Female agricultural workers earn daily wages ranging from 300 to 400 taka, while their male counterparts receive between 500 and 600 taka.

In conversations with several agricultural workers, they mentioned that after the Aman crop harvest, their workload diminishes significantly. Although they face financial hardships, the introduction of garlic cultivation methods in recent years has allowed them to remain active, enabling them to support their families more comfortably. Additionally, they continue to work during the garlic harvest, ensuring that they always have tasks to complete.

When speaking with female agricultural workers, they expressed that living in the village limits employment opportunities, making it necessary to earn money through household chores. Often, this leads to family issues or the need to care for someone. It is challenging to meet the family's needs on a single income. Currently, we are looking forward to this season because by sowing garlic without care, we can earn between 300 to 400 taka daily. If we work for several days, we can generate additional income. Furthermore, after harvesting the garlic, we are tasked with sorting it. Thus, this cultivation method serves as a valuable source of income for us.

The Upazila Agricultural Extension Department reports that in the fiscal year 2024-25, 37,150 metric tons were cultivated across 3,850 hectares, with an average yield of 9.65 metric tons. For the upcoming fiscal year 2025-26, the target has been set for 4,550 hectares of cultivation and a production goal of 47,915 metric tons.

In Pabna district, only the Chatmohar upazila employs this method (without tillage). This method of garlic cultivation is also practiced in Gurudaspur, Singra, and Tarash upazilas in the neighboring Natore district.

Farmer Ziyaul Haque from Baludiyar village in the Dbigram union of the upazila stated that he has cultivated garlic without tillage on 5 bighas of land. After harvesting Aman paddy, he clears the weeds and maintains the land in a wet or muddy state. He applies 30 kg of TSP, 25 kg of potash, and 15 kg of gypsum fertilizer per bigha, and the following day, he plants garlic seeds in rows. Two maunds of seeds are needed for each bigha. After sowing, the entire area should be covered with straw or mulch. After one month, 10 kg of urea fertilizer should be applied per bigha along with irrigation. This method experiences virtually no disease or pest issues. The crop is harvested within 100 days, yielding 25 to 30 maunds per bigha. Ariful Islam, a farmer from Bonthor village in the Bilchalon Union of the upazila, mentioned that this year he has cultivated garlic on 7 bighas of land with minimal effort. The total expense per bigha ranges from 12 to 15 thousand taka. However, costs have risen due to increased wages for agricultural laborers. Despite the low market price, garlic is sold for 60 thousand taka. If prices rise, it can fetch over a lakh taka.

Conversely, after the Aman crop, the desired Rabi crop cannot be planted because the soil remains muddy for a period. Consequently, the time when the land is left fallow is being utilized for cultivation, and farmers are recognizing the potential for additional income from this practice. They are also playing a significant role in bolstering the country's economy.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Krishibid Kuntala Ghosh stated that achieving this goal is feasible if garlic cultivation is managed effectively and farmers work together.