By Gunjon Rema from Netrakona

Recently, BARCIK organized a discussion meeting with farmers who cultivate sand-tolerant crops at Chandradinga village, near the Kalmakanda border. Fourteen farmers participated in the meetings sharing their problems and asking for solution to farm crops in the sandy lands.

Experienced farmer Nazrul Islam facilitated the meeting with support from BARCIK’s Gunjon Rema sharing his insights, particularly on cultivating sand tolerant crops such as sugarcane and groundnut. The meeting aimed to exchange experiences, raise awareness about new techniques, identify challenges, and strengthen farmer collaboration.

 However, BARCIK has identified several sand-tolerant crops like groundnut, maize, sweet potato, and sugarcane, offering new opportunities for cultivation. Farmers with limited resources are gradually adopting these crops. Floods have deposited sand and stones on many farmlands, making cultivation difficult due to low water retention and poor soil quality. Climate change impacts like droughts, irregular rains, and flash floods have worsened farmers’ problems.

Based on the suggestion and advice provided by BARCIK this year, farmers planted maize, groundnut, and sweet potato. While maize has been harvested, groundnut and sweet potato are still in the field. Suggestions were made to try new crops like taro next season.

After the meeting the participants including the resource person Nazrul Islam visited nearby fields. Nazrul Islama provided practical advice on crop management to the participating farmers. During the visit participants emphasized the need for regular meetings to discuss issues and learn hands-on techniques. They highlighted that, with the right crops, even sandy lands can ensure food and economic security.

The discussion concluded that effective planning, proper technology, and organized farmer participation are key to making sandy lands productive.