RN Deak: A field day on garlic cultivation was held in Faridpur with the aim of increasing spice crop production and expanding modern agricultural technologies. The event took place on Monday (February 23) at the land of Abdur Rashid Munshi in 3 No. North Channel Union. The program was organized by the Horticulture Center, Bhajandanga, and financed by the Project for the Development and Expansion of Improved Spice Varieties and Technologies.

The chief guest of the event was Mohammad Khair Uddin Molla, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Faridpur Region. Special guests included Bablu Kumar Sutradhar, Principal of the Faridpur Agricultural Training Institute, and Shah Md. Imran Hossain, Horticulture Development Officer.

In his speech, the chief guest stated that garlic can be cultivated in two ways—without tillage and through conventional tillage. However, selecting improved varieties at the beginning is crucial for achieving higher yields. He emphasized that desired production can be ensured through proper variety selection at the right time and appropriate management practices. He mentioned that the Italian variety of garlic can produce up to approximately 60 kg per decimal, whereas the traditional Ganga Joli variety yields an average of 40 kg per decimal. Due to its higher yield potential, he encouraged farmers to adopt the Italian variety of garlic.

Participating farmer Asma Begum said that compared to the local Ganga Joli variety, the Italian garlic variety provides higher yields, making it possible to achieve greater production at lower costs. She expressed interest in cultivating the Italian variety in the upcoming season.

The welcome speech was delivered by Md. Faridul Islam, Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer of the concerned block. The event was chaired by Mohammad Bin Yamin, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Center, Faridpur.

Sub-Assistant Horticulture Officers of the Horticulture Center Faridpur, officials from the Agricultural Information Service, and around 200 farmers participated in the field day. The program concluded with a visit to the demonstration plot and an exchange of views with the farmers.