PABNA, Aug 16: Sesame cultivation is rapidly gaining popularity among farmers in the district due to its high profitability, low production cost, and minimal maintenance requirements.
This season, sesame, a valuable oilseed crop, has been cultivated on 9,000 hectares (ha) of land across the district.
According to expert sources, sesame is three times more profitable than rice and other traditional crops. It can be harvested within just three months of sowing, making it an attractive option for quick returns. With strong demand in both local and national markets, farmers are receiving competitive prices for their produce.
Alongside traditional local varieties, modern strains such as Bari Til-4 and Bina Til-3 are yielding impressive results. The crop's natural resistance to most diseases and pests means there is no need for pesticide sprays or chemical fertilisers. Furthermore, sesame cultivation requires neither irrigation nor frequent weeding, significantly reducing production costs.
The rising demand for sesame - used in edible oil, biscuits, khaja, and other food products - is benefiting not only the farmers but also the local economy through job creation and the strengthening of the agricultural sector. Many farmers say that with profits tripling compared to paddy, they plan to expand sesame cultivation in the coming years.
Dr. Jamal Uddin, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Pabna, confirmed that sesame was grown on 9,000 ha in the district's nine upazilas this season, meeting the production target of 1.33 metric tons (MT) per hectare.
"The soil in Pabna is highly suitable for sesame cultivation. Each year, the cultivation area increases due to strong demand and its versatile uses," Dr. Jamal noted.
According to the Data of the DAE, the highest sesame production in the district is at Bera Upazila- 3,312 mt of sesame have been produced here on 2,490 ha of land. Next is Pabna Sadar Upazila- 2,427 mt produced in 1,825 ha. Then it is Santhia Upazila- 2,880 mt produced; Sathia is in third place in the production list- 2,301 mt produced on 1,730 ha. Farmers at Ishwardi Upazila have produced 545 mt of sesame by cultivating 410 ha. In addition, the target level of sesame production is 565 mt on 425 ha of land at Atghoria; 1370 mt on 1050 ha at Chatmohar; 186 mt on 140 ha at Bhangura; 685 mt on 515 ha at Faridpur, and 5789 mt on 435 ha of land at Sujanagar.
The DAE is promoting sesame cultivation by providing training, technical advice, and demonstration plots to help farmers achieve higher yields. Officials expect the cultivation area to expand even further in the coming seasons, cementing sesame as one of Pabna's most lucrative cash crops.
