Iqbal Kabir Ranju, Chatmohar
Farmers of Chatmohar Upazila in Pabna have cultivated black cumin seedlocally known as ‘Kalojeera’ on about 80 hectors of land in the current Rabi season.
The black cumin hasalready begun to ripen and some of the farmers have already started harvesting them from their lands.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Office in Chatmohar, BARI-1 variety of Black cumin has been cultivated on 5 hectors of land and local varieties on the rest 75 hectors of land.
Whereas, in the last Rabi season, BARI-1 variety was grown on 2 hectors of land and local varieties on 84 hectors of land with a yield of1.2 metric tonnes per hector.
RaushanAlam, a black cumin seed farmer from HaripurMomin Para village under Charuikol Block in Chatmohar said he has grown local improved varieties of black cumin on 33 decimal of the land this seasonfor the first time.
He cultivated the black cumin seed as part of the exhibition implemented by Chatmohar DAE and they provided DAP, Potash, Urea and Gypsum fertilizers for his cultivation.
He informed that he needed only 2 kg of seeds for his 33 decimal land which cost him Tk 800. He has spent a total of Tk 3,000 including Tk 1,000 for cultivation and Tk 1,000 for irrigation. He added that the crops have already started to ripen.
A yield of 3 to 3.5 mounds can be obtained from black cumin farming per Bigha. At present, each mound is being sold for Tk 11,000. Black cumin prices are often lower during the season. However, Raushan hopes to earn around Tk 15,000 to Tk 20,000 per Bigha if the price is good this year.
Chatmohar Upazila Agriculture Officer AA MasumBillah said, black cumin sapling is a medium-sized seasonal sapling which yields flowers and fruits only once. Oil is produced from black cumin seeds and it is called the magic crop because of its multifold benefits. The work of plucking black cumin from the field has already started this season. He added that extensive use of the crop as a spice has been observed.
Dr Ruhul Quddus Dollar, a doctor at Chatmohar Upazila Health Complex said, “Black cumin seed is rich in nutrients and beneficial element. It is an antidote to various diseases. It protects our health as well as enhances the immunity system. Black cumin oil and honey are good for our body too. Rich in protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, every gram of black cumin contains 208 micrograms of protein, 15 micrograms of vitamin B, 57 micrograms of niacin, 1.85 micrograms of calcium, 105 micrograms of iron, 5.26milligram of phosphorus, 18 microgram of copper, 60 microgram of zinc and other ingredients.
Due to the medicinal properties of black cumin, many types of diseases are cured. However, eating old black cumin oil and excess black cumin can cause serious health damage, he added.
