Farming of cassia-leaf locally called tejpata is bringing additional income to farmers in the district as there is high demand for it.

Begum Meherunnesa, 69, wife of retired schoolteacher Ramzan Ali of Shiberkuti village in Sadar upazila, said she planted four cassia trees five years ago that produce the crop round the year. “After meeting my family's demand, I get Tk 600 to Tk 700 from selling cassia every year,” she said.

“There are cassia trees in most of the homesteads in our village,” said Ramzan.

Afzal Hossain, 55, of Mahendranagar village said there are three cassia trees in their courtyard which meet his family's need and earn extra money from selling cassia of one tree. 

Forkan Ali, 48, of Fulgachh village said his wife planted two cassia trees in their courtyard eight years ago and those are still bearing the spice. He said he prepared an orchard of 40 trees on 15 decimals of land two years ago. He hopes to get profit from next year.

Farmer Sheher Ali, 55, of Bhadai village in Aditmari upazila, said cassia tree is common in every homestead at his village as the spice item is widely used. “We never use chemical fertiliser or pesticide for cassia farming in the homestead,” he said.

Vegetable trader Abdul Jabbar at BDR Hat in the town said they buy cassia-leaf from farmers and sell it to town dwellers. “We sell one bundle of cassia-leaf for Tk 15 to Tk 20,” he said, adding that they also send the spice to Dhaka and other cities.

Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Enamul Haque said agriculture officials provide technical support to farmers who cultivate cassia-leaf commercially.