Ginger Bag Farming Opens New Income Avenues for Rajshahi Farmers

Ginger cultivation through the bag method—also known as sack or geo-bag farming—is rapidly gaining popularity in Rajshahi, offering farmers a cost-effective and profitable use of shaded or fallow land, particularly under mango orchards.

What is Sack Farming?

Sack farming involves growing ginger in sacks filled with soil and organic manure such as cow dung or mustard oil cake. These sacks are placed in shaded or unused spaces—under trees, in orchards, or around homes—thus avoiding land wastage and minimising risks of floods and pest attacks.

Farmer Spotlight: Ziaul Haque’s Success Story

Ziaul Haque (45), from Hujripara village in Paba Upazila, has become a local pioneer in sack farming. He planted ginger in 20,000 sacks this season across unused orchard and homestead areas.

“The conditions have been perfect this year with no diseases,”
— Ziaul Haque

He anticipates harvesting 18,000 kg of ginger, with projected profits between Tk 20 to 25 lakh, thanks to low input costs and strong market demand.

Benefits of the Method

Utilises shaded, unproductive land

Less labour-intensive

Reduces risks of waterlogging

Avoids tilling and land preparation

Minimises losses from natural disasters

Haque’s success has inspired numerous unemployed youth in the region to adopt the method.

Expansion and Adoption

Other farmers like Ashiq Uzzaman (45) and Mejbaul Hasan (48) of Biraldah village, Puthia Upazila, began small-scale sack farming three years ago. This year, they planted 3,000 sacks over 1.5 bighas of abandoned orchard land with an investment of Tk 80,000—expecting returns of Tk 5 lakh.

“Garden owners are now consulting us for guidance,”
— Ashiq Uzzaman

They plant ginger rhizomes in Chaitra and Baishakh (mid-March to mid-May), with crops ready for harvest in about six months.

Government Support and Expert Insights

Orchard Owners Welcome Innovation

Mango orchard owners Nazrul Islam and Tariqul Islam expressed support for the method, citing the difficulty of ploughing orchard land and noting that sack farming provides a cost-effective, no-till solution that complements mango cultivation.

Summary Table

Ginger sack farming is now being hailed as a model for sustainable agriculture, rural employment, and efficient land use across Rajshahi.