Khulna: The government today distributed seeds, fertilizer, and pesticides among 2,600 farmers of the district as incentives to boost cotton production in the region. The distribution ceremony was held at the training centre of the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute in Khayertola area of the town, where Additional Secretary of the research wing of the Agriculture Ministry, Abu Jubair Hossain Babul, was present as the chief guest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the additional secretary, after inaugurating the ceremony, stated that incentives worth about Taka 8,500 have been provided to each farmer to encourage cotton cultivation. He emphasized the higher profit margins associated with cotton farming compared to other crops, despite the longer cultivation period. A farmer can produce cotton worth approximately Taka 60,000 to 70,000 on one Bigha of land in a season.
The event was chaired by the Executive Director of the Bangladesh Cotton Development Board, Rezaul Amin, and was addressed by Deputy Director of the Board, Tasdikur Rahman, and Chief Cotton Development Officer, Mizanur Rahman.
Abdul Alim, a farmer from Mohinikati village under Jhikorgachha upazila, who attended the event to receive the incentives, shared with BSS that he earned Taka 48,000 from cultivating cotton on one Bigha of land for the first time last year. He noted that yarn factory representatives collected cotton directly from farmers’ homes, and due to these conveniences, he plans to cultivate cotton on two Bighas of land this year.
Rabiul Islam, another farmer from the same village, remarked that his profit from cotton production last year was satisfactory, prompting him to increase production this year.