Decades ago, farmers in Sharishabari, Bangladesh, were actively engaged in cultivating sugarcane on a substantial scale, with an estimated 2,500 farmers involved directly. However, over the years, the scenario has drastically changed. Presently, only about 400 farmers remain committed to sugarcane cultivation, representing a sharp decline in interest and participation. In the past, sugarcane sales were significant, with daily transactions reaching approximately 2 lakh Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). Today, this has dwindled to a mere 50,000 BDT.
The government’s target for sugarcane cultivation in the district has also dropped from 350 hectares to 320 hectares, yet the actual cultivation covers only 380 hectares. Sugarcane farmers pointed out that the cost-benefit ratio of sugarcane farming has shifted unfavorably, making it less economically viable. Market dynamics have changed significantly, with a notable decrease in the number of sugarcane buyers visiting farms. The decline in sugarcane cultivation in Sharishabari underscores the urgent need for government intervention and support to revitalize this once-promising agricultural sector.
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