Farmers in the district are very happy due to bumper turmeric yield and low expenses in cultivation.

The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) set a target of turmeric cultivation on 547 hectares of land this year, said Mokbul Hossain, deputy director of DAE, Kurigram.

Last year, farmers cultivated the crop on 520 hectares against the DAE target of 500 hectares, he added.

Farmers are expecting good yield due to use of modern technology provided by agriculture office.

While visiting some areas of Kurigram Sadar upazila recently, this correspondent saw smiles on the faces of the farmers due to plentiful growth of turmeric plants in their fields. 

Enamul Haque, 45, of Shibrum village said, "I cultivated turmeric on 60 decimals of land this year. I have spent around Tk 60 thousand for seeds, ploughing, fertilizers, pesticide and labour till now. I am expecting bumper yield as my turmeric plants are very healthy. I expect to get over 120 maunds, which I might be able to sell for Tk 2,000 per maund."

"I cultivated turmeric on 50 decimals of land last year and got good yield using modern technology. I ploughed and used organic and inorganic fertilizers in the turmeric field according to the need," Enamul added.

Saidur Rahman, 58, of Kaley village said he has been cultivating turmeric for the last 20 years, but only for the last three years using modern technology. The seeds are sown in March-April and harvested in February-March, he said, adding that he cultivated local variety of turmeric and expected good production this year also.

Kurigram Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Mohammad Kamruzzaman said turmeric is a beneficial spice crop and it can be grown on abandoned land and high land besides normal land. He said their main aim is to make proper use of abandoned land and asked the farmers to use  modern technology in cultivation for bumper yield.