Khulna: Farmers across the Khulna region have successfully harvested 73 percent of the Boro rice crop by Sunday, with expectations to complete the harvest before Eid-ul-Azha. Officials reported that approximately 96 percent of the Boro seedlings, initially cultivated in February across the districts of Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Narail, are approaching complete harvest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the region is experiencing a strong yield this season, which is encouraging for both farmers and agricultural officials. A total of 2.67 lakh hectares of land was designated for Boro cultivation in these districts, aiming for a production target of 12.21 lakh tonnes of rice. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) reported that about 12,21,391 tonnes of Boro paddy have already been produced from 2,66,993 hectares.
In Khulna district, Boro was cultivated on 66,000 hectares with a production target of 3.16 lakh tonnes. To date, 48,676 hectares, representing around 74 percent of the cultivated land, have been harvested. In Bagerhat, farmers have completed harvesting on 40,220 hectares out of the 67,622 hectares cultivated, accounting for about 59 percent of the total area. Satkhira saw Boro cultivation on 80,800 hectares with a target of 3.42 lakh tonnes, with 71,979 hectares, or roughly 87 percent, already harvested. In Narail, farmers have harvested 35,347 hectares, representing 70 percent of the total area cultivated on 50,297 hectares, with a production target of 2.30 lakh tonnes.
Md Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of the DAE for the Khulna region, stated that favorable weather conditions, including timely rainfall, have enhanced the prospects for achieving the desired production levels. The use of quality seeds, appropriate fertilizer application, and close monitoring and guidance from field-level agricultural officials have contributed to the bumper output. The DAE data shows that about 89.73 tonnes of the production target have been fulfilled to date.
The DAE, in conjunction with other agriculture-related organizations, is offering modern technologies and necessary support to boost rice production and strengthen the country's food security. Md Rafiqul Islam mentioned that farmers in the Khulna region are actively engaged in harvesting the remaining Boro paddy, with support from organizations like West Zone Power Company Limited (OZOPADICO) and the Rural Electrification Board, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of fertilizers and electricity for smooth Boro cultivation.