In a bold departure from traditional cropping patterns, farmers in various parts of Bangladesh are embarking on experimental cumin cultivation—a venture that may well transform the nation’s spice sector.
Despite the country’s heavy reliance on imported cumin seeds, local pioneers are testing innovative methods on small plots, aiming to not only diversify crops but also reduce the nation’s import burden.
Recent news reports from across the country document these promising trials and underscore the potential economic benefits of domestic cumin production.
A New Chapter in Rajshahi’s Poba Upazila
In Rajshahi’s Poba Upazila, farmer Rofikul Islam from Pakuria village is at the forefront of this agricultural experiment. According to a report by Sangbad (18 February 2025), Rofikul’s experimental cumin (locally known as “Zeera”) cultivation has already yielded bumper results. Working on a plot where the unique Sandy loam soil and favorable climate create ideal conditions, Rofikul has garnered local admiration—so much so that fellow farmers now affectionately call him a “scientist.”
Local agricultural officials have noted that cumin cultivation here is both low in labor and input cost, requiring minimal water and rarely encountering severe pest or disease problems. With a growth cycle of roughly three to three and a half months, the crop’s rapid turnaround is fueling optimism that widespread cultivation could reduce Bangladesh’s near-total reliance on imported cumin.
Naogaon’s First Foray into Cumin Cultivation
In another pioneering effort, farmer Zahurul Islam of Shiala village in Raninagar Upazila of Naogaon has turned his traditional knowledge to the cultivation of cumin. AmaderSomoy (11 February 2024) and Jugantor (10 February 2024) reported that Zahurul, inspired by soaring market prices for the spice, invested approximately 1,000 Taka (about $8.25 USD) in acquiring 500 grams of cumin seeds from India. He planted these seeds on a nine decimal plot of land.
Zahurul’s method mirrors traditional mustard cultivation techniques. Within eight to ten days after sowing, seedlings emerged, and now, with cumin flowers in full bloom, he anticipates a yield of 20–22 kilograms from his plot. With market prices reported at around 20,000 to 25,000 Taka per kilogram [approximately $165.30–$206.20 USD], Zahurul envisions that successful cultivation could offer substantial income while contributing to the nation’s long-term goal of reducing cumin imports.
Bogura’s Multiple Success Stories
Bogura is emerging as a vibrant hub for cumin experimentation. Several reports—from Bangladesh Pratidin (30 January 2025), bd24live (31 January 2025), and BanglaNews24 (03 February 2024)—detail how farmers in Shibganj Upazila are embracing the spice. Under the guidance of agricultural extension officers and technical support from research institutions, farmers are experimenting with the “BARI JIRA-1” variety, which was approved by the National Seed Board in 2022.
One farmer, Saiful Islam from Krishnapur in Deuli Union, shared his optimism: by planting on a10-decimal plot, he expects to harvest roughly 2 kilograms of cumin per unit area. In some cases, the cost of cultivation on a 10-decimal plot has been around 10,000 Taka (approximately $82.50 USD), while input support provided by the agriculture office has reduced the financial risk. With yields projected at 550–600 kilograms per hectare under optimal conditions, local officials are enthusiastic that broader adoption could ease the country’s dependence on costly imports.
Chuadanga: Cultivating Dreams on Experimental Plots
In Chuadanga’s Jibon Nagar Upazila, young agriculture entrepreneur Jahidul Islam is sowing the seeds of change. As reported by bbarta24 (15 January 2025), Jahidul has planted the Bari JIRA-1 variety on 11-decimal of land after receiving specialized training from the Spice Research Centre Bogra. “I have followed all the recommended practices, and the crop is already flowering,” he noted. With the local agriculture office maintaining regular contact and offering technical advice, Jahidul is optimistic that his experimental venture will pave the way for larger-scale cultivation in the region.
Godagari’s Promising Demonstration Plots
In Rajshahi’s Godagari Upazila, experimental cultivation is also taking root. Daily Inqilab (28 January 2025) reported that initial demonstrations last year involved three farmers who tested cumin cultivation on one bigha of land. One standout case comes from farmer Jiarul Islam, who, with the support of the local agriculture office providing 4,000 Taka (about $33.00 USD) in input subsidies, planted cumin on a 10-decimal plot. Jiarul anticipates a yield of 40–45 kilograms and projects a market price of around 250–260 Taka per kilogram. This could translate into a total revenue of approximately 80,000–90,000 Taka (roughly $660.00–$743.00 USD), underscoring cumin’s potential as a lucrative crop.
Sirajganj’s Breakthrough Experiment
Sirajganj has also witnessed its first foray into cumin cultivation. In Kamarkhand, National Agriculture Award winner Mahbubul Islam Palash has initiated the experiment on 10% of his land, according to Ajker Partika (03 December 2024). Palash procured 400 grams of cumin seeds for 2,000 Taka (around $16.50 USD) from the Bogura Masala Research Center. He projects that a successful crop could yield about 20 kilograms, and if the market holds steady at 8,000 Taka per kilogram (approximately $66.00 USD), his produce could fetch around 1,60,000 Taka (roughly $1,320.00 USD). Palash has vowed to extend subsidized seed supplies to fellow farmers, aiming to make cumin cultivation a community-wide success.
Strengthening Local Production Amid Global Demand
Beyond these regional success stories, the move toward domestic cumin cultivation comes at a crucial time. Bangladesh is one of the world’s top importers of cumin seeds. According to Volza’s Bangladesh Import data, the country imported 1,642 shipments of cumin seed between March 2023 and February 2024. This figure was sourced from 227 foreign exporters to 424 Bangladeshi buyers—a modest 8% growth over the previous year. Notably, in February 2024 alone, imports surged with 163 shipments recorded, marking a 114% year-on-year increase and a 13% sequential rise.
Globally, the United States leads in cumin seed imports with 13,205 shipments, followed by Bangladesh with 7,291 shipments, and the United Arab Emirates with 3,297 shipments. These figures highlight the significant gap between domestic production and market demand—a gap that experimental cultivation efforts aim to close.
Government Support and Agricultural Extension
A common thread running through these reports is robust support from local agricultural offices and research institutions. Extension officers, such as those in Poba Upazila and Godagari, have been instrumental in training farmers on best practices. They emphasize that the optimal conditions for cumin cultivation include a slightly arid, sandy soil with minimal water retention—a condition prevalent in many parts of Bangladesh. Regular advisory sessions, practical training, and subsidized inputs have empowered farmers to take a calculated risk on this high-value spice crop.
Officials also stress the importance of timely fungicide and pesticide applications, particularly during the critical stages of plant growth, to guard against common diseases and ensure a healthy crop. With proper management, experts suggest that yields could reach 600–800 kilograms per hectare—a significant improvement over current experimental outputs.
The Road Ahead
The experimental cultivation of cumin represents more than just an agricultural innovation—it is a strategic move toward self-reliance. If these pilot projects succeed on a larger scale, Bangladesh could significantly reduce its reliance on imported cumin seeds, easing the pressure on foreign exchange reserves and contributing to overall rural development.
Farmers like Rofikul Islam, Zahurul Islam, Jahidul Islam, Jiarul Islam, and Mahbubul Islam Palash are leading the way by demonstrating that with modest investments and strong institutional support, high-value crops such as cumin can flourish even in regions where they were previously unknown. Their success may well pave the way for widespread adoption, offering a new revenue stream for farmers and boosting the nation’s agricultural diversity.
As the country continues to innovate and explore sustainable agricultural practices, the potential for cumin to emerge as a commercially viable and culturally significant crop is immense. The ongoing efforts not only promise to enhance farmers’ incomes but also offer a viable pathway for reducing the hefty import bills associated with meeting domestic spice demand.
In a nation where every rupee counts, experimental cumin cultivation is more than a farming trial—it is a hopeful sign of a future where Bangladesh can harness its agricultural potential, reduce import dependency, and create a more resilient, self-sustaining economy.
