¶¶Òõ¾«Æ·

Sugarcane, once a hallmark of Bagerhat’s agricultural landscape, is making a strong comeback thanks to favourable weather, reduced soil salinity, and renewed interest from farmers and youth. 

Once widespread across the district, sugarcane farming had declined due to salinity concentration on soil. Salinity concentration is becoming normal with canal and river excavation and increased rainfall.

This year, sugarcane has been cultivated on 296 hectares of land across the district, with a production target of 12,265 metric tons for the current fiscal year. So far, 10 per cent of the crop has been harvested. Officials and farmers are optimistic about meeting the production target if the weather remains favourable.

Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) sources said that sugarcane has been cultivated on five hectares of land in Sadar upazila, 80 hectares in Mollahat upazila, one hectare in Rampal upazila, 20 hectares in Fakirhat upazila, 96 hectares in Kachua upazila, 60 hectares in Morelganj upazila, 30 hectares in Sharankhola upazila and 4 hectares in Chitalmari upazila. ?

Sugarcane farming is not just reviving a tradition but also contributing significantly to the rural economy. Local farmers like Nazmul Sheikh, who has cultivated sugarcane for 25 years, spent Tk 2 lakh this season on two acres of land and earned Tk 4 lakh from sales. Similarly, Mizanur Rahman spent Tk 80,000 on one acre of land and made Tk 2 lakh in return.

Despite the high return on investment, farmers point out several challenges. ‘We don’t get any government incentives, agricultural loans, or fertilisers,’ said Mukul Sheikh, another farmer. He emphasized that while sugarcane is profitable, it requires significant labour, with daily wages for workers at Tk 800.

Rafiqul Islam from Kachua spends Tk 12 lakh on six acres of land and earned Tk 18 lakh. While he received technical advice from local agriculture officials regarding disease control.

Sugarcane and its by-products hold cultural significance in Bagerhat. The locally made jaggery, produced in large cauldrons by village women, once earned nationwide fame. Its sweet aroma would lure schoolchildren and passers-by, becoming a staple at weddings, religious ceremonies, and household meals. In areas like Kachua, sugarcane molasses was often consumed with rice in the absence of vegetables or fish.

Markets for molasses once thrived in Kachupatti, Taleshwar Bazar, and Badhal Bazar, reinforcing its role in the local economy. The soft, chewable variety known as turfin remains highly popular, and its juice is prized for both its sweetness and medicinal properties.

‘Sugarcane juice is very beneficial for patients suffering from jaundice,’ said Dr. Anup Kumar Biswas, a medicine specialist at Bagerhat Sadar Hospital. Juice stalls using small threshing machines are now a common sight across Bagerhat town and its markets.

Md Motahar Hossain, deputy director of the Department of Agriculture in Bagerhat, acknowledged that while the government allocates fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, they may not reach all farmers due to the high demand. However, he encouraged farmers to contact local agricultural offices for assistance.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting sugarcane farmers and reviving the sugar industry. ‘Officers and assistant agriculture officers are assigned to every union to monitor issues, provide guidance, and help farmers improve their yield,’ he said.

Motahar Hossain expressed optimism that the golden era of Bagerhat’s sugarcane production—when molasses was exported across districts—will return, helping drive economic prosperity in the region.

‘Bagerhat is becoming increasingly suitable for sugarcane cultivation,’ he added. ‘Agriculture-dependent sugarcane farmers are now weaving a web of dreams as a stepping stone to economic freedom.’