Understanding Bangladesh

July 21: Agricultural comparisons

We continued our 12th day of research by traveling to Nagarpur. This area is affected by river bank erosion and yearly flooding. The four hour drive provides us with views of farm ground. Both Bangladesh and Iowa’s main economy is based on agriculture. My husband by Iowa standards would be considered a small family farmer. Let’s do some comparison.

Bangladesh -- The average sized farm is one acre (about the size of a football field). Main crops grown are rice, jute, mangoes, jackfruit (their state fruit) and others. They do grow a small amount of corn. Their main livestock is goats, chicken, cattle, and sheep. We did see one small herd of hairy hogs. Muslims do not eat pork. The farmers work is very hand labor intensive. Their main tools are hoes, water buffalo, and a few tractors. While the majority of the work is done by the men, we do see women in the saris and children laboring in the fields. Crops are harvested by hand and transported out of the field by baskets carried on the head.

Iowa -- My husband farms about 500 acres which would be considered an average to small farm. Main crops grown are corn and soybeans. Iowa is well known for hog production. We also raise beef and dairy cattle. The farmers work is very labor intensive. On our small farm we have 6 tractors, a combine, planter, and many other machinery equipment required in the production. While the majority of the work on our farm is done by my husband, our children (when living at home) and I could be found helping. We would be wearing “chore clothes” consisting of blue jeans and old shirts. Our crops are harvested by the use of many pieces of machinery including combines, wagons, tractors, and agues to put the grain into storage bins.

Along the way we visited the family of one of our members, Dr. Bimal Paul, a professor of geography at Kansas State University. The small village where his family lives consists of several corregated steel and concrete houses. One building is a shared kitchen. We were graciously greeted by his family. While there we shared books, maps, and globes with the children.

In our travels we passed several small shops that made rickshaws. These Iowa teachers had enjoyed the rickshaw art and were excited to have the opportunity to purchase several pieces. What fun?!?

In Dhaka we have been staying at the Best Western La Vinci Hotel. The staff is fantastic. They can not do enough to please us. I have a music background and have been interested in the harmonium, a small piano/accordion type instrument which one of the staff plays. I asked if he could give me lessons. Not only did he do that but he graciously offered to sell it to me. So Iowa -- get prepared. Jane is bringing a harmonium back to the States.

--Jane Watson   |    Login or Join to Post Comments