Rajshahi: Direct-seeded mustard farming has gradually been gaining popularity as the method has opened up new doors of boosting mustard yields in the region, including its vast Barind tract, for the last couple of years.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, in the method, farmers sow mustard seeds on the Aman paddy fields just 10 to 12 days before its harvest so that the seeds can germinate with soil moisture and residual effects of the paddy properly. Enthusiastic farmers are adopting the method with hopes of attaining more benefits, as they receive suggestions from field-level officials of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).
Shariful Islam, a farmer from Ishwaripur village under Godagari upazila, has sowed seed on his Aman paddy field this season, and the plants are growing well. He mentioned that the direct-seeded method saves costs on land preparation and time, aiding in timely harvests crucial for transitioning to the next crop of Boro paddy.
Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer Atanu Sarker reported that many farmers are adopting the method, witnessing the germinated forms and vegetative growth of mustard plants during the Aman paddy harvest. Mustard is being cultivated on around 50 hectares of land in the Ishwaripur block this year. Sarker stated that they provide technological suggestions to ensure timely crop harvests and Boro paddy seedling transplants.
Dr. Shakhawat Hossain, Principal Scientific Officer of Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute, highlighted the method as a significant effort in promoting conservation agriculture (CA) technologies. He emphasized the need for sustainable expansion in the drought-prone Barind tract to protect soil health from further degradation. Dr. Hossain explained that conservation agriculture practices optimize natural resources, crop diversification, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides, which can be effective in managing climate change challenges like unpredictable rainfall and drought.
The DAE aims to produce around 6.47 lakh tonnes of mustard seed from 3.91 lakh hectares of land in eight districts under the Rajshahi division during the current Rabi season. DAE Additional Director Dr. Azizur Rahman expressed efforts to enhance mustard seed production to meet local demand and reduce import pressure on edible oil. He stressed the potential of using modern varieties and technologies to boost oilseed production.
The Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) is working to promote less-water consuming crops like mustard across 16 districts in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions. Tariqul Alam, Executive Director of BMDA, noted that mustard seed is a water-saving crop, and its expansion is crucial in reducing underground water pressure in the Barind area.