• 5 Feb, 2024
• 0 Likes
• 278 Views
• No Comments

Bandarban, a region adorned with picturesque hills in southeastern

Bandarban, a region adorned with picturesque hills in southeastern Bangladesh, has been grappling with challenges in agricultural productivity for years. Traditional farming practices and irrigation water scarcity have exacerbated these issues. The hill region has long been accustomed to Jhum cultivation, where farmers first clear the vegetation of a hill, burn it and then cultivate it for a set  period before returning to it after 3-5 years. However, this practice has led to reduced productivity and increased challenges due to population growth and shrinking agricultural land. Moreover, a significant portion of the population has been engaged in tobacco cultivation, a well-known yet perilous practice associated with severe health risks.

Bandarban, a region adorned with picturesque hills in southeastern Bangladesh, has been grappling with challenges in agricultural productivity for years. Traditional farming practices and irrigation water scarcity have exacerbated these issues. The hill region has long been accustomed to Jhum cultivation, where farmers first clear the vegetation of a hill, burn it and then cultivate it for a set  period before returning to it after 3-5 years. However, this practice has led to reduced productivity and increased challenges due to population growth and shrinking agricultural land. Moreover, a significant portion of the population has been engaged in tobacco cultivation, a well-known yet perilous practice associated with severe health risks.

The C-SUCSeS Project aims to provide a comprehensive solution to mitigate and adapt to climate change risks, enhance agricultural productivity, and offer sustainable alternatives to practices like tobacco cultivation. Through this visionary project, BARI scientists are working tirelessly to devise a solution that not only mitigates climate change risks but also enhances agricultural productivity and provides sustainable alternatives to tobacco cultivation. The ultimate goal is to establish a resilient agricultural system that adapts to changing climate challenges and uplifts the livelihoods of farming communities in hilly regions.

Intercropping or Companion Cropping as a Climate-Smart Solution: Intercropping or Companion cropping, a climate-smart agriculture technology, involves growing multiple crops simultaneously on the same plot. This method aims to optimize land use, increase crop productivity, conserve water and energy, improve soil health, reduce disease incidence, increase nutrient use efficiency, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance biodiversity.

In the Sultanpur village of Sualok Union in Bandarban, farmers under the facilitation of the On-Farm Research Division (OFRD) of BARI have embraced companion cropping alongside maize on nearly one acre of land. This innovative approach has contributed to a transformative change in local agriculture, providing economic benefits and sustainable alternatives.

Maize, a staple crop in the hilly region, is now cultivated in dual seasons—Kharif and Rabi. This dual-season approach has gained popularity due to the growing maize market, particularly for its use in livestock and fish feed. Farmers are increasingly exploring companion cropping as a profitable alternative to traditional practices like tobacco cultivation.

Maize, a staple crop in the hilly region, is now cultivated in dual seasons—Kharif and Rabi. This dual-season approach has gained popularity due to the growing maize market, particularly for its use in livestock and fish feed. Farmers are increasingly exploring companion cropping as a profitable alternative to traditional practices like tobacco cultivation.

Key Features of the Technology:

• Adjusting the spacing between Maize rows from the standard 60 cm * 25 cm to 70 cm * 25 cm, resulting in approximately 9500 plants lower per hectare. Although this reduced the maize yield per hectare to about 1.78 tons, the overall system productivity increased by about 18 tons per hectare, leading to a net profit increase of around 150% for farmers.
• The land was prepared by ploughing and cross-ploughing using recommended fertilizers for maize only. Both maize and companion crops were sown on the same day. Red amaranth, spinach, and chinese cabbage (green) seeds were sown between the two lines of maize, each at a distance of 20 cm, 25 cm, and 25 cm, respectively, using continuous sowing, while a single line of bushbean (a leguminous vegetable) seeds were sown at a distance of 15 cm. Harvesting of all leafy vegetables was done within one month after sowing seeds, and bushbean pods/seeds at two months for market utilization.
• Top-dressing of urea for the companion crops was done within 2-3 weeks of seed germination. This allowed the companion crops to be ready for sale in the market within the next week. The additional fertilizer also contributed to the robust growth of main cropss. This system yielded approximately 14 tons of leafy vegetables per hectare, with a farmgate price of 30 Taka per kilogram.

Testimonials from Local Farmers: Local farmers, such as Azad Mia and Kishani Sabina Yasmin, highlighted the positive changes brought about by companion cropping, including efficient weed control, increased soil moisture retention, and dream-like yields. This method not only ensures high yields but also facilitates the cultivation of additional crops for family consumption without requiring additional land.

Careful consideration is crucial in managing companion cropping, as highlighted by farmer Anju Mia. Protection of crops from hens and chickens, proper fertilization, and timely watering are essential for maximizing the benefits of this innovative cultivation method. Scientific officer Imam Hossain of OFRD, BARI shares success stories, emphasizing the integration of climate-smart technologies for increased production and profit.

Bandarban is witnessing not just crops but a revolution—a transformation promising economic prosperity for farmers and a sustainable, climate-smart future for agriculture in this challenging terrain. Maize’s companion cropping emerges as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and progress in the heart of Bangladesh’s hilly landscapes. The success stories from Sultanpur village reflect the potential of this approach to redefine winter vegetable cultivation, setting the stage for a brighter and greener future for the region’s agriculture. The adoption of intercropping technology, driven by the C-SUCSeS Project, stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the power of sustainable agricultural practices to overcome challenges and usher in a new era of prosperity in Bandarban.

Authors:

1.  Mohammad Tanharul Islam, Senior Scientific Officer (A.C.), On-Farm Research Division
   Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI)
2. Mr. Kinzang Gyeltshen, Regional Programme Coordinator, C-SUCSeS Project, SAARC Agriculture       Centre
3. Md. Kabir Hossain, Knowledge Management Consultant, C-SUCSeS Project, SAARC Agriculture       Centre
4. Dr. Apurbo Kumar Chaki, Senior Scientific Officer, OFRD, BARI & Associate National Focal Point, C-SUCSeS Project (Bangladesh component)
5. Dr. Md. Mazharul Anwar, Chief Scientific Officer, OFRD, BARI & National Focal Point, C-SUCSeS Project (Bangladesh component)