Khulna: Farmers here in the region have begun harvesting Transplanted Aman (T-Aman) paddy from dawn to dusk since the last week. This year, farmers have cultivated Aman paddy on 2,90,342 hectares of land against a target of 2,98,635 hectares in Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Narail districts in the region, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the DAE has a target of 11,07,805 tonnes of paddy production. Despite initial challenges, 97.2 percent of the cultivation target has been achieved after beneficial rains. The transplantation of Aman seedlings faced hindrances in the initial and middle stages due to a drought-like situation, as reported by DAE officials. They, however, expressed optimism about the bumper production potentially exceeding the target.
Favorable climatic conditions, coupled with the proper distribution of high-quality seeds by the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and the timely supply of fertilizers and other agro-inputs to growers, have significantly contributed to the bumper production, explained Khulna Region DAE Additional Director Md Rafiqul Islam. The DAE also played a pivotal role by providing training to farmers on modern technologies, crop management, and the preservation of quality seeds.
Farmers have thus far harvested paddy from about 11,044 hectares of land until October 29. The DAE official anticipates the completion of the Aman paddy harvest by December. During a recent visit to paddy fields in the Batiaghata and Dakope areas, farmers were observed busily harvesting and storing paddy from dawn to dusk.
Shahidul Alam, a farmer from Gangarampur union of Batiaghata upazila in Khulna, reported harvesting 18 maunds of Aman paddy from each bigha of land, compared to last year's yield of 17 maunds. He cultivated Aman paddy on 12 bighas of land this season. In a bid to expedite the harvest, farmers like Hamid Mia from the Kalabogi area of Dakope upazila are even involving their school-going children.