Bagerhat: About 32 percent of Aush paddy has so far been harvested in Bagerhat district this season, officials of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Aush was cultivated on 3,937 hectares of land in six upazilas of the district with an estimated production of 11,496 metric tons. Specifically, 9 hectares were harvested in Bagerhat Sadar producing 41 metric tons, 177 hectares in Fakirhat producing 509.25 metric tons, 230 hectares in Mollahat producing 618 metric tons, 150 hectares in Kachua producing 415.8 metric tons, 206 hectares in Morelganj producing 554.4 metric tons, and 480 hectares in Sharankhola producing 1,537.5 metric tons. In total, 1,252 hectares have been harvested yielding 3,675.95 metric tons.
Farmer Sundar Ali from Kachua reported a labor shortage as local workers are migrating to Faridpur and Gopalganj for higher wages. Farmers are offering Taka 650-700 daily plus meals to incentivize workers to harvest Aush paddy.
Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer of Kachua, Parikshit Joardar, explained that Aush paddy is favored by farmers because it requires less irrigation and fertilizer, yet remains profitable. This is because the land can later be used to grow Aman and Boro paddy.
Kachua Upazila Agriculture Officer, Akash Bairagi, noted that cultivating one hectare costs about Taka 55,000 and the yield, including straw, is sold at approximately Taka 90,000, ensuring a good profit for farmers.
Md Motahar Hossain, Deputy Director of the DAE in Bagerhat, mentioned that early rains this season reduced soil salinity, enhancing yields. In 2024, 13,375 metric tons were produced on 4,827 hectares, while this year's production is expected to be 11,496 metric tons on less land.
He expressed optimism for improved harvests of rice and vegetables in the coming seasons as the government is offering free fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, and subsidies to farmers.