Rangpur: Aman rice seedling planting has already been completed on 43 percent of the target land in the Rangpur agricultural region, where farmers are continuing the process in full swing amid frequent rains.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, officials of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) reported that farmers have transplanted Aman rice seedlings on 267,267 hectares of land, achieving 43 percent of the targeted area for the crop's cultivation. Additional Director of the DAE for Rangpur region, Md Shirajul Islam, expressed optimism that farmers are likely to meet the farming target this season as transplantation continues under favorable climatic conditions.
The DAE has set a goal to produce 20,05,028 tonnes of clean Aman rice (equivalent to 30,07,542 tonnes of paddy) from 621,550 hectares across the five districts of Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, and Nilphamari this season. The target includes producing 16,70,070 tonnes of high-yielding varieties from 524,520 hectares, 3,14,221 tonnes of hybrid varieties from 86,020 hectares, and 20,737 tonnes of local varieties from 11,010 hectares.
In the previous season, farmers in the region produced 20,00,614 tonnes of clean Aman rice from 616,299 hectares. This year, seedbeds have been prepared on 34,586 hectares, which is 13.77 percent more than the required 30,401 hectares for the target cultivation area. The government, through the DAE, has distributed high-quality seeds and fertilizers to assist small and marginal farmers.
Efforts are underway to prepare seedbeds for late varieties in highlands and floating seedbeds in low-lying areas to ensure seedling availability despite August floods. Field-level agricultural officers have been instructed to support farmers with necessary resources and technology for successful cultivation this season.
During a field visit, a BSS reporter observed farmers actively transplanting seedlings and preparing croplands amid favorable conditions. Farmers from various upazilas in Rangpur shared that the transplantation process has gained momentum due to recent rains.
Farmer Mofizar Rahman from Taraganj upazila expressed confidence in achieving the farming target this season. Similarly, other farmers in Rangpur confirmed the completion of seedling transplantation on their lands, with tender plants showing promising growth following the rainfall.