M Rahman Ranju, Kurigram: Padma flower can be the economic force for development in the poverty stricken district of Kurigram. The lotus flower not only enhances purity and beauty, but also has food and medicinal properties. Once upon a time in our country, beautiful lotus flowers used to bloom in ponds or lakes. But due to the enmity of nature and pollution, the lotus flower is no longer visible except in a few places. Only lotus and lotus flowers go in that direction. Anyone who sees this eye-catching scene will feel better. Many people misunderstand because of the similarity between red water lily and lotus flower. But the difference can be understood only by looking at its seeds well. Lotus flowers usually bloom in autumn but can also be seen in the rainy season. This lotus flower ceremony can be seen in two upazilas of Kurigram. The Chakirpasha Bill is now known as Padma Bill on about 500 acres of land in the Chakirpashar Union of a Rajarhat Upazila. White and pink lotus flowers can be seen in this bill. On the other hand, red lotus flowers can be seen on about 15 acres of land in Patadhoa beel of the historic Neel Kuthi village of Sadar union of Roumari upazila. As far as the two eyes go, only the lotus and the lotus. And because of this, the two bills have become known as Padma Bill to the people. This naturally born lotus flower has added extra beauty to this northern town. Every year visitors come to enjoy the beauty of Padma Bill. When you see pink and white lotus, your mind is filled. Such a wonderful sight as if the travel thirsty are shaking hands. Pipasura travels by boat to see the beauty of the bill and the lotus. And since there is no work in the rainy season, many people earn extra income by picking lotus flowers. This flower is in high demand in the traditional festivals of the followers of traditional religions. Punjari collects lotus flowers from the area.

According to the locals, although there is a demand for lotus flowers, there is no commercial cultivation. Lotus flowers, leaves, data are picked up from the bill and sold at various prices. However, these lotus flowers that are blooming with disrespect and carelessness can be a source of additional income for the farmers. The locals demanded to officially declare it a tourist area and to cultivate honey in artificial way with lotus flowers to meet the demand for honey. The people of this poverty-stricken village claim that it can be a source of additional income. Besides, the general public called for training the farmers in conservation of lotus flowers as well as creating employment opportunities by meeting the demand for vegetables.

In this regard, Roumari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Al Imran said that the lotus flower can play an additional role in keeping the economic wheel of the district in motion. Necessary arrangements will be made to develop this Padma Bill as a tourist area.

Shamsuddi Mia, an agronomist in charge of the agriculture department in Kurigram, said that lotus is being used in the cosmetics industry as a `perfume` or `aroma`. Researchers have proven that Padma has anti-obsessive and anti-diabetic medicinal properties. There are also alkaloids such as nuciferin, aporphin and armepavin. As a result, the lotus flower is not only effective as a medicine but also as a protein-rich vegetable, he said.