Guwahati: A colossal 38-kilogram pumpkin has become the centerpiece at the Kisan Mela in Dhubri, attracting the attention of visitors and agricultural experts alike. Grown on the fertile but temporary char lands of Dimatola, the pumpkin was cultivated on a 10-bigha farm owned by Abu Lahel Bakey, part of his larger 200-bigha agro farm.
Bakey’s farm, situated on river-island lands, yields a diverse range of crops, including chilies, eggplants, potatoes, and pumpkins, as well as sesame, black gram, and mustard.
While the scale of Bakey’s farm and its rich output are impressive, life for farmers in these remote char areas remains challenging. Logistical difficulties persist due to the region’s isolation. “Reaching the mainland is an expensive ordeal. We first have to ferry our produce by boat, followed by vehicle transport. The cost of transportation often exceeds the value of the vegetables, forcing us to incur losses,” Bakey shared. These challenges, compounded by poor infrastructure, have led farmers to discard unsold produce at times, further impacting their livelihoods.
However, there is hope on the horizon. In the Birsing-Jarua Development Block of Dhubri, farmers have enjoyed a profitable vegetable yield this season, igniting optimism for the future. Experts believe that, with adequate infrastructure support, the char lands could become a key contributor to Assam’s agricultural economy, benefiting both local farmers and the state as a whole.
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