Photo : BSS

By Rostom Ali Mondal

DINAJPUR, April 5, 2026 (BSS)- Following the success of sweet pumpkin 
cultivation in mango and litchi orchards in Bochaganj upazila, farmers in 
Birganj upazila of the district have now achieved success in cultivating kaun 
(foxtail millet), a resilient and nutrient-dense grain, as a companion crop 
alongside groundnuts.

This intercropping method has created the potential for producing higher 
yields from the same land within a shorter time, offering new hope for 
improving the livelihoods of marginal farmers.

Md. Rafiqul Islam, 34, a young agricultural entrepreneur and son of Nazrul 
Islam from Muraripur village under Shibrampur Union in Birganj upazila, 
successfully cultivated Kaun alongside groundnuts on high land last year. 
Encouraged by the results, he expects even better yields this year as he has 
expanded cultivation.

Speaking to BSS, Rafiqul Islam said he first learned about Kaun cultivation 
through YouTube and various research journals. Later, he sought guidance from 
local Agricultural Field Officer Sabuj Ahmed and began practicing 
intercropping.

He sowed groundnut seeds in the first week of the Bangla month of Agrahayan. 
About 20 days later, he scattered Kaun seeds on the same land.

Both crops grew simultaneously, and within 75 to 80 days, the Kaun began to 
ripen. Now, groundnuts are growing beneath while Kaun spikes are visible 
above in the same field.

The young farmer said he expects to harvest the Kaun soon and will then focus 
on proper care of the groundnuts to ensure a good yield.

Professor ATM Shafiqul Islam of the Agriculture Department at Hajee Mohammad 
Danesh Science and Technology University said that Kaun was once widely 
cultivated in Dinajpur and the northern region and was considered a staple 
food for the poor.

"Due to changes in dietary habits and living standards, Kaun cultivation has 
declined. However, there is now significant market demand for Kaun rice, 
which is used to prepare high-quality dishes like "Payesh" and "Kheer".

Such dishes are even sold in reputed restaurants," he said.

Shafiqul added that with the use of modern technology, the amount of fallow 
land is decreasing, and farmers are increasingly cultivating multiple crops 
on the same land. 

In Bochaganj upazila, several young entrepreneurs have already succeeded in 
growing vegetables like sweet pumpkin and bottle gourd in mango and litchi 
orchards.

Professor Shafiqul Islam also said he personally visited three orchards in 
Bochaganj on behalf of the university and found companion cropping to be 
profitable. Similarly, mustard is being cultivated in paddy fields in the 
district. He cited the success of young farmer Nurul Islam in cultivating 
Kaun in groundnut fields as another example.

He emphasized that with proper guidance and support, marginal farmers can 
significantly increase production on limited land through intercropping.

He also stressed the need for in-depth research by universities to explore 
new agricultural possibilities and support such initiatives.

It is known that students of the Agriculture Department at the university 
receive hands-on training in crop cultivation, including Kaun. Many students 
participating in field training have successfully applied their knowledge in 
real-life farming.

Professor Shafiqul Islam further noted that a young farmer from Muraripur 
village, Nurul Islam, recently achieved success by cultivating Kaun in 
groundnut fields, setting an example for others. 

He believes that if the younger generation becomes more engaged in innovative 
farming, it will lead to a renaissance in agriculture.

Sabuj Ahmed, agricultural field officer of Shibrampur union, said many young 
entrepreneurs are reviving Kaun cultivation using modern technology. 
Cultivating Kaun alongside groundnuts on high land has yielded promising 
results. Currently, Kaun rice is being sold at over Taka 100 per kilogram in 
the market, and Nurul Islam is expected to make a good profit.

Birganj Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Shariful Islam said that if young 
people continue to adopt modern technologies in agriculture, it will bring 
significant positive changes to the country's economy.

Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in 
Dinajpur, Md. Afzal Hossain said, "Many entrepreneurs in the district have 
succeeded in cultivating two crops simultaneously on the same land. The 
agriculture department is providing continuous support and guidance to such 
farmers."

There are many mango and litchi orchards in the district, and farmers are 
being encouraged to adopt companion cropping in these orchards, he added.

The DAE is working to ensure greater success for farmers in intercropping 
practices in the future.