Barley was once widely used as human food. Even in the middle of the twentieth century, barley was grown in large areas of Chatmohar. As a result of changes in human eating habits, barley production gradually decreases. It goes without saying that barley was not produced in Chatmohar at the beginning of the 21st century. At present, the farmers of Chatmohar in Pabna have started cultivating barley on some lands to meet the food demand of cattle. Along with other grasses, they are feeding soft stems and leaves of barley to cattle.
It has been found that barley was cultivated in many areas of Chatmohar a few decades ago. The scope of barley cultivation gradually decreases. However, at present, many cattle farms have sprung up in the area and cattle farmers have started cultivating barley, a seed-bearing plant, in the fields of different areas. Apart from the farmers, some farmers are cultivating barley but they are selling it to the cattle farmers. A limited number of farmers are collecting barley grains.
According to the Chatmohar Upazila Agriculture Office, barley has been cultivated in 10 hectares of land in Chatmohar this Rabi season. Most of it is being used as cow feed. Barley is being cultivated in more lands in Gunaigachha, Mulgram, Failjana and Dibigram Unions.
Mozammel Haque, a cattle farmer from Pailanpur village in Gunaigachha union of Chatmohar, said, “About 80 percent of the people in our village keep cows. There are many big farms in this village. I have 36 cattle including 20 cows. Feeding straw reduces cow’s milk. The price of straw, maize and other cow feed is also high. So almost three years ago we started cultivating barley. This year I have cultivated barley on 2.5 bighas of land. I am feeding barley stalks to the present cow. I am also giving other food in a limited range. Several other farmers like me have cultivated barley. Cows give more milk when they eat barley. Barley of every bigha of land is being sold as cow feed at Tk 8,000 to Tk 9,000. ”
Like Mozammel Hoque, the cowherds of different unions of Chatmohar have started cultivating barley to meet the food demand of cattle. Others said that they are getting the benefit of feeding barley to the cattle.
Chatmohar Upazila Animal Resources Officer Dr Noor Alam Siddiqui said barley stems and leaves are quite good as cattle feed. When barley bears fruit, it is better to make silage with it and feed it to cattle. Barley seeds can also be boiled and fed. After collecting barley, husk made from barley stems can also be used as fodder for cattle.
Dr. Ruhul Quddus Dollar said that barley is of high quality as human food. Foods made from barley are easily digestible. It is quite beneficial for diabetes. Eating barley flour does not increase blood sugar. Barley reduces fat growth. Barley is also beneficial for those who suffer from urinary incontinence. Eating barley plays a role in eliminating blood bile, curing stomach ailments and preventing the tendency to miscarriage. Barley is also used as a dietary supplement to control liver disease, spleen, indigestion, constipation and high blood pressure.
