Kaun cultivation on the way to extinction in Thakurgaon

Thakurgaon Correspondent: Cauliflower cultivation is on the verge of extinction in Thakurgaon. At one time there was extensive cultivation in the villages of 21 unions of the Upazila, but now the Kaun is lost due to the lack of interest of the farmers in Kaun cultivation.

Despite its low cost, easy cultivation methods, and water efficiency, this crop, which is associated with the heritage of rural Bengal, is on the verge of extinction due to a lack of proper supervision by the concerned department. There is no information about Kaun cultivation in the Upazila even in the office of the agriculture officer. The crop seems to be disappearing in the womb of time. Kaun is the name of a delicious crop. People cooked and ate Kaun with rice, various kinds of food including cakes, kheer, payes, khichuri, mala were made from Kaun. The crop has to be sown in the dry season in the month of Chaitra.

In the month of Jaistha-Ashar, the crop grows at home. It does not require any irrigation. Yield is 8-10 manas per bigha. The remaining part of the tree is also used as fuel after the top of the Kaun is torn off. Like other plantations, Kaun used to provide financial support to the farmers as an allied crop.

Joynal, a farmer from Mohammadpur village of the Upazila, said, "Everyone in our village used to cultivate Kaun instead of chilies, potatoes, and vegetables." I used to run that household by selling that cow. Now that the yield is low, we no longer cultivate Kaun. Talking to the farmers and eminent persons of different areas of the Upazila, they said that this crop of native variety should be preserved in our interest.

Otherwise, the next generation will not be able to know the name Kaun. The locals think that everyone should come forward so that this crop called Kaun does not become extinct. Upazila agriculture sources said Kaun is now being considered an elite crop. Apart from that, there is no information in the agriculture office as the farmers have lost interest in Kaun cultivation due to low yield.