Language Movement hero shows the way

An elderly Language Movement veteran has set an example in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila by achieving bumper production of vegetables and spices through bed system cultivation.

Abdul Quader Bhasani, 89, of Haldibari village said bed system cultivation is better than that of the flat system and costs less. “I always ask the local farmers to cultivate vegetables and spices following the bed system although many people are reluctant to use the method as it requires regular labour and proper care,” he said.

Bhasani has been cultivating vegetables and spices during the last 10 years.

 He said farmers can get even double production of vegetables and spices through bed system cultivation than from the flat system. In the bed system crops get fertile soil, proper irrigation and protection from stagnant water, which are absent in the flat system, Bhasani said.

Local farmer Aftab Uddin, 55, said the villagers get advice from Bhasani on how to farm better vegetables and spices. “We also have started farming vegetables and spices through the bed system and are getting good results,” he said, adding that the Language Movement veteran is an ideal farmer.

 Bhasani's wife Noor Jahan Begum, 78, said her husband is still energetic and works every day in his land.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Enamul Haque said the bed system of cultivation for vegetables and spices is better than that of flat system as it gives better production at less production cost. He said farmers are advised to cultivate vegetables and spices following this system.