Khulna: Harvesting of various crops cultivated on 48,302 hectares in the Khulna agriculture region is nearing completion, yielding bumper production this season. Farmers across Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, and Narail districts are pleased with the outcome of their efforts during the ongoing Robi season for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Agricultural Expansion (DAE) set a target to cultivate 43,487 hectares with a production target of 1,255,437 tonnes. However, the DAE reported exceeding this goal, achieving a bumper production of 1,302,519 tonnes from the expanded 48,302 hectares. The increased cultivation on both inland and saline-resilient coastal areas has contributed to poverty reduction and improved livelihoods for thousands in the region.
Officials from the DAE, including Additional Director Md Rafiqul Islam, noted that over 80 percent of the Robi crops have been harvested before Eid-ul-Fitr, with the remainder expected to be collected within the next two weeks. Favorable climate conditions and integrated irrigation strategies have been credited for the successful yield, providing farmers with their desired output.
The expansion of crop cultivation in the coastal belt has been supported by crop loans from Bangladesh Krishi Bank and other commercial banks. This financial support, coupled with the government’s distribution of quality seeds and fertilizers, has encouraged small and marginal farmers to expand their Robi crop farming efforts.
Farmers from the coastal belt areas, such as Farid Ali, Moniruzzaman Gazi, Mozammel Hawlader, and Shaheed Mia, have shared their success stories. They attribute their improved fortunes to farming practices on saline-resilient lands, particularly with crops like watermelon. Shahadat Gazi, a farmer from Gangarampur union, highlighted the strategy of sowing mustard seeds and watermelon after the harvest of short-duration Aman rice to maximize crop intensity and profits.