A prospect of self-reliance through spice cultivation 

Spice farming is becoming increasingly popular in Bariya village of Kushtia, greatly contributing to the local economy. Many villagers are engaging in spice cultivation due to the lucrative prices in the market.

The village, surrounded by unique and beautiful greenery, is known as 'Masalar Gram' (Spice Village) to the locals. The Department of Agriculture, with government support, has enclosed about 5 kilometers of road on both sides with red-green plastic fencing, planting two thousand bay leaf and cinnamon in rows.

In addition to this, residents are cultivating turmeric and ginger in bags in separate areas near their homes and fallow lands. They are also growing 13 different spices, including onions, garlic, capsicum, peppers, cumin, and ‘chui jhal’. Bariya village is now recognized as 'Masalar Gram,' and this spice village development is driven by the government's long-term goal to reduce dependence on spice imports.

Soutam Kumar Shil, an agriculture officer in Kushtia Sadar Upazila, explained that various spices are being grown in Bariya village with government support. This village is part of a project aimed at cultivating improved spice varieties and technologies nationwide. Over five years, one hundred farming families have been included in the project with the goal of increasing spice production and reducing economic dependency.

Local residents are excited about the spice cultivation initiative. Jahura Begum said, "Various types of spice plants have been planted in different areas near our village roads and around our homes. These plants look beautiful. The prices of spices are quite high, so when we produce spices from these plants, we will benefit greatly. We are grateful to the government for initiating spice cultivation in our village."

Halim Sheikh, a van driver, mentioned, "To increase spice production, the government recently planted one thousand chili plants and one thousand bay leaf trees on both sides of our village road. When these spice plants grow, we will be able to enjoy spices. We can now have spices from our own region."

Rashidul Islam explained, "The agriculture office has supported the cultivation of bay leaf and cinnamon plants on both sides of the road. As a day laborer, I have planted bay leaf trees on the side of the road. I am also responsible for watering them. In the fallow lands near the homes of many residents in this village, turmeric, ginger, and various types of spices are being cultivated. The government covers the costs of all these cultivation activities. Bariya Bhatialiapara village is now known as the Spice Village."

Ajimuddin said, "I received training at the agriculture office about two months ago. Like me, 120 residents of this village have received this training. They have also provided us with two meals a day and Tk 3000 each. The agriculture office has given us the training. Bay leaf and cinnamon plants were planted here about a month ago. This village is now known as the Spice Village."

Saidul Islam mentioned, "Through the agriculture office, I have cleaned up the fallow land near my house and planted ginger and turmeric in geo bags. We can make a profit from here. We have not incurred any expenses; everything has been provided by the government. These initiatives are supported by the agriculture office. They have provided us with training. Spice plants have been planted on the side of the road. When spices are produced, they will meet the demand in our area."

Soutam Kumar Seal, the agriculture officer, said that in the coming three years, farmers in this village will begin to reap the full benefits of the project. The government's primary goal is to make spice crops self-sustaining, as Bangladesh currently lags behind in spice production. The success of Bariya village is vital for this initiative, and the residents have formed a cooperative committee to work together to advance this idea.