Farmers in Panchagarh have begun cultivating potato and maize simultaneously on the same plot of land, enabling them to harvest two crops at lower cost while boosting overall productivity.
The new method, tested in Moulvibazar area of Panchagarh Sadar Upazila under a four-crop rotation model, allows growers to cultivate potato and maize together, followed by jute, sweet pumpkin and vegetables, and finally Aman paddy within a single year.
The trial was conducted under the supervision of the Rice Farming Systems Division of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute at its Panchagarh satellite station. Under the project, one farmer cultivated the new system on one acre of land and achieved encouraging results in the first season.
Farmer Sarwar Hossain said the land had traditionally been used for two crops a year, mainly maize followed by Aman paddy.
“Through a project of the Rice Farming Systems Division, we learned that four crops a year are possible on the same land,” he said.
He explained that potato and maize were planted together using a paired-row method without increasing seed rates per bigha. Fertiliser costs were reduced, and both crops could be harvested from the same field.
“I have started lifting potatoes from my one acre. The yield is better than in other fields. The maize plants are also healthy and vigorous. I expect a higher maize yield than usual,” he said, adding that he plans to cultivate jute and sweet pumpkin next, followed by Aman paddy.
Scientific Officer Delwar Hossain Payel of the Rice Farming Systems Division said the paired-row potato-maize cultivation has shown strong potential for producing four crops a year on the same land.
“Our goal is to increase farmers’ productivity and profitability,” he said.
Panchagarh Department of Agricultural Extension Deputy Director Abdul Matin said the system has added a new dimension to the district’s agricultural economy.
“Balanced and diversified land use with additional crops will benefit farmers and raise income,” he said.
