Floating seeding production in Bangladesh: A review

Agriculture is the driving force of the economy of Bangladesh where two third of the arable land is inundated in monsoon due to low lying of geographical position and adverse effect of climate. A part of these monsoon wetlands are used for floating cultivation by the local farmers for their livelihood which is commonly known as “Vasoman Chash”, a method of hydroponics. This century aged traditional agricultural method is being practiced in haor regions of Bangladesh. Matured water hyacinth is the most important component for making raft or bed for floating cultivation. Paddy straw, Son ghash (Imperata cylindrica), Noll ghash (Hamerthria protensa), Topapana (Pista stratiotes), ash twigs and desiccated coconut fibers are also used for making bed. The water hyacinth is collected from nearby wetlands and prepared bed and finally allowed 15 to 20 days for decomposition before cultivation. A ball /guti/tema is prepared by soft rotten Durali or Salvinia, where seeds are inserted for germination and finally covered with rotten water hyacinth and allowed for seedlings. After 5-6 days when seedlings attained 5-6 inches long, are transferred to the floating bed. Bamboos are usually used as anchorage to keep beds fixed in a place during the monsoon and then bed is ready for growing of various kinds of vegetables. This indigenous floating bed cultivation technology can mitigate food insecurity, poverty and adverse effects of global warming.