The cultivation of arum, a versatile vegetable with numerous health benefits, has emerged as a popular and profitable cash crop in Kurigram district. Farmers in the region have increasingly turned to commercial farming of arum, leading to a substantial rise in its cultivation.
Local residents have noticed a positive impact on the livelihoods of numerous poor farmers who have embraced arum cultivation. The vegetable's unique properties make it a healthier option, as it requires no pesticides during cultivation.
Officials from the Kurigram Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) reported that this year, arum has been cultivated on an impressive 255 hectares of land. The district's soil and climate have proven to be favorable for the successful growth of this crop. As a result, even marginal farmers have started growing arum due to its profitability.
Farmers across various areas, including Kathalbari, Holokhana, Mogolbacha, Belgacha, Rajarhat, Bhurungamari, Nageswari, Phulbari, Ulipur, Chilmari, Roumari, and Rajibpur upazilas, have successfully cultivated arum and are delighted with their yields this year.
One farmer, Abdul Malek, aged 56, hailing from village Shibram under Kathalbari union in Kurigram Sadar upazila, shared his success story. He proudly revealed that he produced approximately 80 maunds of arum on one bigha of land this year. Abdul Malek's cultivation cost amounted to Tk. 40,000, but he was able to sell each maund of arum at Tk. 1,200, resulting in total sales of Tk. 96,000. After deducting the cultivation expenses, he made a net income of Tk. 56,000.
Another farmer, Shafikul Islam, aged 40, shared how cultivating arum had transformed his life. Over the past five years, he has become self-reliant and significantly improved his family's livelihood. Shafikul Islam expressed his contentment and happiness with the decision to cultivate arum.
Arum comes in several varieties, including Oll kachu, black kachu, pani kachu, man kachu, baiya kachu, and aila kachu. Its high nutritional value, enriched with alkaline, calcium, and iron, has attracted the attention of doctors who recommend it to patients, particularly for curing piles.
Moreover, large-scale cultivation of arum has played a vital role in poverty reduction within the district. As farmers become more interested in its commercial potential, the production of arum continues to increase annually.
