There is a possibility of bumper yield of Maskalai in Porsha of Naogaon. As loamy and sandy loamy soil is suitable for Maskalai cultivation, Maskalai has been extensively cultivated in this upazila.
Seeds are sown in this area from mid-August to September under Kharif-2. Although the traditional Kalai bread made from Maskalai is famous in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts, its value is increasing day by day in Porsha upazila of Naogaon.
Maskalai has also gained popularity in this area as a pulse. Apart from being used as food for cattle and buffaloes, the leftovers are being used as fuel. Therefore, Maskalai is currently being cultivated on a significant amount of land in this area. It is reported that Maskalai seeds along with vegetables have been distributed free of cost to farmers under the incentive scheme.
This year, the target for cultivation of Maskalai in this upazila was set at 1,025 hectares of land. But Bari Mas-3 and local varieties were cultivated on 1,130 hectares. It is believed that production may increase if the weather is good. Farmers Jasim Uddin and Humayon Kabir of Jalua and Barinda villages of Tentulia union said that Maskalai can be cultivated easily in various vacant areas, mango orchards and other high fallow lands.
There is no problem in cultivating Maskalai. However, many times, if there is an attack of insects, it is easily prevented by applying pesticides. If the crop is good, 5-8 mas of Maskalai will be produced per bigha of land, they said.
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