Mixed farming becomes boon for Rajshahi farmers

Around 2,000 farmers have changed their fortunes after opting for integrated farming of paddy and fish in Beelsutir Beel at Dweep Pur union of Bagmara upazila in Rajshahi district.

“We had taken a lease from the government for a part of the beel for six years in 2018,” said Amulya Hawlader, President of Beelsutir Beel Fishermen Cooperative Society.

Following his success, other farmers of the surrounding areas have opted for the integrated farming method and deriving benefits since then, he said.  Landowners of the beel have also been involved in the process and are getting equal benefits either directly or indirectly.

Amulya said they have also formed a 326-member committee on “Beelsuti Beel Fish Farming Project” aimed at further expediting productivity in a planned way.

He added that the committee provides irrigation facilities free of cost to ensure that farmers can boost their productivity and yield of paddy and fish around the year.

Syed Ali, a resident of Dweep Pur village, said they have also got the scopes of farming potato, onion, maize, boro and aush paddy under the integrated method.

Director of the project and Dweep Pur Union Parishad Chairman Mukhlesur Rahman told BSS that three deep tube wells were installed in the beel to ensure continuous water supply and cost-free irrigation facilities. Besides, two shallow machines were set up to remove the excess water benefiting the farmers.