Chia seed cultivation gives hope to Shariatpur farmer

At a time when losses are forcing many farmers to turn to cash crops, a farmer has found hope in Chia cultivation in Gosairhat upazila of Shariatpur district.

Highly nutritious Chia seed shares similarities with sesame seed and the farming system is somewhat identical. It is mainly cultivated in Canada, Australia, Japan, America, Chili, Mexico, and New Zeeland, among other western countries.

Failing to find employment after graduating with a master's degree in social work Imran Hossain of East Kodalpur village of the upazila turned to agriculture.

He cultivated Chia on 36 decimals of land this season after learning about it from YouTube. Chia seeds are a high-value crop with a low production cost. Imran expects to make a good profit from his harvest and to expand his farm in the future.

The entrepreneur believes that with the help of the agricultural department, chia seed export can be a boon for the economy of the region.

“The upazila agriculture officials were unable to provide much advice regarding the crop. I primarily cultivated the plant on 36 decimals of land after researching it on the internet,” he said, adding that the government should provide training on chia seed cultivation due to its high demand in the international market.

According to Imran, the total production cost was about Tk 20,000 from sowing to harvesting on 36 decimals of land. He harvested about 200 kg of chia seed from the land. The current wholesale market value of which is more than Tk 1.2 lakh.

However, the Zajira upazila Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has initiated the distribution of chia seeds as incentives to farmers.

According to the beneficiaries, they received seeds enough to be cultivated on about three decimals of land. The crop does not require any additional cost of fertilisers, pesticides and irrigation.

The farmers said they got a good yield and the market prices are also high. Due to this, more farmers are becoming interested in chia seed cultivation.

Jazira DAE Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer Nazrul Islam said, “Shariatpur's soil and climate are very suitable for chia cultivation. Chia has great potential as a high-value crop in the region.”

He added that they are providing the farmers with the necessary support regarding chia cultivation.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Jamal Hossain said chia seeds are a high-value crop with demand in the international market.

“Expanding chia cultivation will reduce our import dependency. We expect more farmers will become interested in its cultivation as a profitable crop,” he said.

Alongside of having medicinal properties, chia seeds can be eaten with bread, pudding, cake, loaf etc. Chia seeds drink is a must for athletes who require a lot of energy to keep fit.

Nutritionist Dr Shahinur Nazia said, “Chia seeds contain large amounts of fibre and omega-3 fatty acids, plenty of high-quality protein, and several essential minerals and antioxidants. They may improve digestive health, blood levels of heart-healthy omega-3s, and risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.”