In an unusual sight, lush mustard fields flourish alongside traditional salt farms in Uzan Tia Union’s Kalarpara area, located in Pekua Upazila, Cox’s Bazar. A small paved road separates the golden mustard fields on one side from the glistening salt pans on the other.
Local farmers say that around 4,000 acres of land in Uzan Tia Union are dedicated to salt farming, leaving little room for other crops. In the past, farmers never dared to cultivate paddy or winter vegetables on these lands. However, a few farmers have experimented with salt-tolerant rice varieties over the last three years. Encouraged by their success, over a hundred farmers are diversifying their fields with mustard cultivation alongside rice.
The unexpected success of mustard farming on long-used salt fields has sparked excitement among local farmers. To them, the vibrant yellow-green mustard fields beside the salt pans resemble a desert blooming with life.
Abdur Rashid, a farmer from Miyarpara, expressed his delight, saying,
“This is my first time cultivating mustard, and I’ve already made a profit. The local agricultural office provided seeds and fertilizers, and their officials continuously guided us.”
Pekua Upazila Agriculture Officer Mohammad Rasel highlighted the initiative under the Oilseed Production Project, saying,
“Uzan Tia’s soil has a high salt content, making cultivation difficult. This year, we provided 110 farmers with seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides for mustard farming across 42 hectares of land. The initial yield looks promising.”
He further noted that 238 hectares of land in Pekua Upazila have been cultivated with mustard this year, 42 hectares of which are located in Uzan Tia Union.
By Abdur Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdur Rashid Manik
