Agriculture in Sariakandi is undergoing a modern transformation. Md. Zahurul Islam and his daughter, Liju Khatun, have achieved remarkable success by adopting the mulching method for tomato cultivation in Shekhahati village, Narchi union.
The mulching method involves preparing fertilized beds and covering them with specialized polythene sheets. This technique prevents weed growth, retains soil moisture, and protects crops from excess irrigation. According to the Upazila Department of Agricultural Extension, the method significantly reduces labor and fertilizer costs while extending the lifespan and yield of the plants.
Farmer Zahurul Islam shared his success story: "I invested approximately 40,000 BDT on one bigha of land. With support from the SACP-RAINS project, I received seeds, mulching paper, and equipment. So far, I have sold tomatoes worth 1.07 lakh BDT and expect to sell another 1 lakh BDT worth of produce remaining in the field."
Inspired by these results, Zahurul has already expanded the technique to two bighas of cucumber cultivation.
Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer Nazrul Islam noted that this method offers high profits with minimal labor. Upazila Agriculture Officer Mohammad Ali Jinnah added that the success of Zahurul and Liju has sparked significant interest among neighboring farmers, prompting the department to provide ongoing technical support and advice to those looking to switch to modern farming.
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