In a significant shift towards high-value crops, farmers in Bolpur, Birbhum district of West Bengal, have begun cultivating Chia seeds, a nutrient-rich superfood in high demand. With the support of the Bolpur Block Agriculture Department, four farmers have imported Chia seeds from Karnataka and started growing them, drawn by the crop’s low input cost and high returns.

Why Chia?

Chia seeds, known for their health benefits, have gained popularity due to their ability to help manage diabetes, regulate weight, and improve overall health. As fitness trends grow, so does the demand for these seeds, making them a lucrative option for farmers looking to move beyond traditional crops like rice, potatoes, and mustard.

Minimal Water, Maximum Profit

One of the biggest advantages of Chia cultivation is its low water requirement. Given the declining rainfall in the region, farmers see this as a viable alternative. According to Bolpur Block Agriculture Officer Sheikh Jasimuddin, "This cultivation is done on dry soil and requires minimal irrigation. If the yield is good, each farmer can earn between Rs 37,000 to 40,000 per bigha. The high market price of Chia seeds has generated immense interest among farmers."

Origin and Cultivation Process

Originally from Mexico, Chia has adapted well to Indian states with low rainfall, including Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. The plant belongs to the mint family, growing up to two feet tall, with blue flowers that contain tiny black and grey seeds. These seeds expand 10-12 times in size when soaked in water.

Farmers follow a simple cultivation process:

  • The land is ploughed once or twice and left slightly moist.
  • About 800 grams to 1 kg of seeds are spread per bigha.
  • Watering is needed only after germination.
  • The crop matures in 3.5 to 4 months.
  • Chemical fertilizers are avoided in favor of nitrogen, potassium, phosphate (NPK), and vermicompost.
  • The plants are pest-resistant and do not require pesticides.

Lucrative Market Prices

A good yield produces about one quintal of Chia seeds per bigha. With an input cost of just Rs 5,000, farmers can sell the seeds for Rs 450 per kg. The market price ranges from Rs 800 to 1,000 per kg, and premium-quality seeds can fetch up to Rs 1,300 per kg.

Health Benefits Driving Demand

Chia seeds are packed with essential nutrients such as calcium, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, protein, and carbohydrates. They are widely recommended for managing high blood pressure and blood sugar levels and are used in diets for weight loss, bone strength, and heart health. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, Chia seed oil is also beneficial for hair growth.

According to Dr. Bidya Roy, professor at Visva-Bharati’s Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, "Chia seeds help in weight loss, bone strengthening, and heart health. However, consumption should be limited to one or two spoons per day to avoid digestive issues. They can be soaked in water, added to salads, or mixed with yogurt for maximum health benefits."

Farmer Success Stories

Several farmers in Bolpur have already started cultivating Chia with support from the agriculture department:

  • Supriya Chatterjee from Kamardangal village has planted Chia on two bighas and expects significant profits.
  • Tapas Mandal and Mohammad Firoz from Sian-Muluk Gram Panchayat have cultivated Chia on one bigha each.
  • Sheikh Abdul Alim from Dakshin Narayanpur village has dedicated 1.5 bighas to Chia farming.

Firoz, one of the farmers, shared his experience: "My land was dry, and water was scarce. The Agriculture Department encouraged me to grow Chia, providing seeds and fertilizers. The crop is nearly ready, and I expect a good profit."

Future of Chia Cultivation in Bengal

Agriculture experts believe that Chia farming can be a game-changer for regions with water shortages. "Chia can be easily cultivated on fallow land. It has exceptional nutritional value and does not require pesticides. We hope that more farmers will adopt this crop in the coming years," said Snehashis Ghosh, Assistant Technology Manager at Bolpur Agriculture Department.

With growing consumer interest in health foods, Bengal's farmers are poised to benefit from Chia cultivation, diversifying their crops and securing better financial returns.