Photo : Messenger
The mulching method of cultivation is rapidly gaining traction among farmers in remote areas of Manikganj.
This innovative approach has already garnered considerable interest, with farmers increasingly adopting the technique. By employing a process that involves preparing the land, creating seedbeds, and utilizing mulching paper, farmers are cultivating a diverse range of crops, including chili, cucumber, tomato, bitter gourd, and eggplant.
This method, also known as poly mulching, has demonstrated numerous benefits. It not only ensures consistent availability of water for plants but also prevents waterlogging, minimizes weed growth, and reduces the need for toxic weed-killing substances.
Additionally, the approach allows for the cultivation of multiple crops in the same bed, offering an efficient use of agricultural space.The beds are then covered with mulching paper (a type of polyethylene). After that, the mulching paper is pierced or cut round at a certain distance and the seedlings are planted. This method is also called mulching or poly mulching method. In West Bengal, India, it is called the silt mulching method.
In Shivaloy upazila Mahadevpur, Shimulia, Ulail, Uthuli, and other unions, Harirampur, Saturia upazila, and other areas of the district are seen cultivating various crops including chili, cucumber, tomato, bitter gourd, and eggplant using this mulching method. The mulching method of cultivation is seen in rural areas.
Md. Jewel Hossain Ershad, a farmer of Raghunathpur village of Mahadevpur union of Shibaloy upazila, said, "Last year, two people in our area got good results by planting with the mulching method. So I am encouraged to cultivate using this method by watching several YouTube channels of Bangladesh and India. Basically, I learned this method by watching YouTube. This time I planted 8 bigha (currant pepper) of hybrid pepper with this silt mulching method."
He said, "In this method, the water does not dry up at the base of the tree, and the water required by the tree is always available. Watering through drains keeps the soil of the side beds water-retaining which does not dry out even in extreme sun. Where 6 times were to be irrigated, now only 2 irrigations complete the season.
He also said, 'If cultivated in this way, people will get poison-free vegetables and crops. As soon as the pepper plant grows old in my land, I will remove it and sow cucumber and gourd seeds in this bed. In this way, multiple crops can be grown in the same bed. However, in this method, the additional cost of giving mulching paper per bigha is about 14 to 15 thousand taka.
Jewel also said, 'A mulching paper roll 4 feet wide and 400 feet long costs five thousand taka. Such a roll can be given on 18 percent land. If the government had given subsidies or low-interest loans to those who actually cultivated using the mulching method, many would have been encouraged to cultivate this method. The production of the country would also increase.
Md. Jasim Uddin and Md. Awlad Hossain Khan, farmers using the mulching method, said, "What we need most now is hands-on training." We demand that we be given detailed training in this matter soon.
Abu Mohammad Enayet Ullah, Deputy Director of Manikganj Agricultural Extension Department, said, "This method is definitely good and we are encouraging the farmers to plant using this method. In Singair area, we are training the farmers in improved farming and it will be done everywhere.
Messenger/Rocky
