MYMENSINGH, 1 March 2025 (BSS) – A team of researchers from the Department of Agronomy at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), a premier institution for agricultural education and research, has achieved significant success in cultivating three different crops on the same land using the crop rotation method.
The research is being carried out in the Char Gujimari region of Dewanganj upazila in Jamalpur district, keeping in mind the specific soil conditions, climatic factors, and technological limitations of the Jamuna Char area.
This innovative farming technique has demonstrated increased agricultural productivity, offering new economic opportunities for local farmers. The study is being conducted under the project titled “Examining the Impact of Climate Change on Crop Production and Improving Crop Productivity in the Char Areas of Bangladesh through Adaptation of Climate-Tolerant Cropping Systems.” The project is led by Professor Dr. Ahmed Khairul Hasan of BAU’s Department of Agronomy, alongside deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension and PhD researcher Paresh Chandra Das, and postgraduate student Ikramul Haque.
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Addressing Challenges in Char Agriculture
The primary goal of this research is to analyse existing crops and traditional farming practices in the char regions, develop climate-resilient and economically sustainable cropping systems, and establish strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of drought and floods.
According to researcher Paresh Chandra Das, farmers in char areas typically cultivate crops such as maize, chilli, coriander, jute, potato, garlic, and Aman rice seedlings independently, without following a structured cropping pattern. Consequently, yields remain low, and farmers face significant losses due to flash floods.
Through their research, the team has identified three profitable cropping patterns:
- Maize–Jute–Aman Seedling Rotation
- Potato–Jute–Aman Seedling Rotation
- Chilli–Peanut–Aman Seedling Rotation
By implementing these cropping systems, researchers aim to determine the most efficient and profitable method, which will be recommended to farmers using modern crop varieties, advanced technology, and agronomic management.
Innovative Findings and Benefits
Professor Dr. Ahmed Khairul Hasan highlighted that research over the past two years has demonstrated the effectiveness of flood-tolerant Binadhan-11 rice varieties in withstanding flash floods, leading to improved yields.
Furthermore, intercropping techniques—where potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, black cumin, fenugreek, coriander, and peas are cultivated alongside maize and chilli—have proven to be more profitable than single-crop cultivation. The study also found that potato production increased significantly through the use of mulching and vermicompost, while jute seed germination rates improved through priming techniques.
In terms of weed control, a combination of herbicides and manual weeding has led to better crop yields. Additionally, researchers have reported satisfactory harvests for crops such as Bari Mustard-14, coloured cauliflower, cabbage, peas, wheat, garlic, foxtail millet (Kaun), and sunflowers.
Positive Impact on Local Farmers
Nasima Khatun, a farmer from Char Gujimari who participated in the study, cultivated sunflowers, maize, and Aman rice seedlings on one bigha of land with support from researchers and local agricultural officials. Encouraged by the strong yields, she now plans to expand this cropping system to a larger area.
Professor Dr. Md Abdus Salam of BAU’s Department of Agricultural Science, who is also supervising the project, stated that implementing structured cropping systems helps reduce weed growth, preserves soil nutrients, and enhances overall productivity. Notably, the study recorded potato yields of up to 76 kilograms per 15 decimals of land, demonstrating promising prospects for farmers.
Supplementary Context: The Significance of Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is a well-established agricultural practice globally, offering benefits such as improved soil health, reduced pest infestations, and enhanced resilience to climate change. In Bangladesh, where char regions frequently suffer from erosion and flooding, implementing sustainable and profitable cropping patterns can significantly improve food security and farmer livelihoods.
By adopting the findings from this research, Bangladesh’s agriculture sector can move towards a more resilient and economically viable future, ensuring better utilisation of char lands that have traditionally remained underdeveloped due to environmental challenges.
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