Khulna: Farmers of the Khulna region are passing their busiest time as harvesting and threshing of Aman paddy are in full swing. With hopes of achieving high yields, they are working day and night to bring home the mature crop. The bumper production in most areas has brought smiles to farmers' faces, though sudden rainfall remains a concern, prompting them to expedite harvesting.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Khulna region set a target for transplanted Aman cultivation in four districts of the division during the 2025-26 fiscal year at 2,98,635 hectares. Against the target, cultivation took place on 2,90,342 hectares, achieving 97.2 percent of the goal. Harvesting has already been completed on 1,98,235 hectares, or 64.8 percent of the cultivated land as of Thursday.
The DAE estimates that the region will produce approximately 8,59,902 metric tons of rice this Aman paddy season. During a visit in Dumuria upazila on Thursday, farmers expressed concerns about leaving mature paddy in the field for too long due to the risks posed by rainfall or hailstorms. They are therefore focused on completing the harvest quickly.
Talking to BSS, Abdul Hamid, a farmer from Baliakhali village, expressed satisfaction with this year's production. "Alhamdulillah, the production is very good this year. Harvesting is almost done and threshing is underway. There is fear of unexpected rain, so we are trying to bring the paddy home as quickly as possible," he said.
Another farmer, Abdul Gani Gazi from Tipna village, mentioned, "I have nearly finished harvesting. Threshing is going on now. Once Aman is over, I will begin preparations for cultivating pulses and winter vegetables."
Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer of Dumuria, Subhash Biswas, noted the urgency of the season. "This is the busiest time for farmers. To avoid losses from natural calamities, we are advising them to harvest early and store the grains safely," he said.
Dumuria Upazila Agriculture Officer, Agriculturist Md. Insan Ibne Amin, highlighted the favorable weather conditions that contributed to the good Aman yields this year. "Considering the risk of sudden disasters, instructions have been given for early harvesting. Guidance is also being provided on proper threshing and storage methods. We expect production to exceed the target," he added.
The cultivation of Rabi crops, pulses, and winter vegetables will commence immediately after the Aman season, with necessary field-level support continuing.
In several villages of Khulna's Dumuria and Dighlia upazilas, farmers are simultaneously working on harvesting and threshing, while many are already preparing their fields for the next crop cycle. Abdur Razzak, a farmer from Rupsa upazila, reported cultivating Aman paddy on 18 bighas of land with an expected yield of around 250 maunds. Similarly, Masud Mahmud from the same area, who cultivated 30 bighas, expects a yield of 300 maunds of Aman paddy.
In Narail's Naragati thana area, farmer Motiar Rahman Khan shared his progress, noting that harvesting was nearly complete. "Harvesting and threshing are going on at the same time. I am only worried about potential rain. It will be a relief once the entire paddy is safely stored at home," he said.
Meanwhile, in Dighlia upazila, farmer Hasibul Islam has already begun preparing for Rabi crops. "Threshing is in progress, and the paddy season is almost over. Now we must prepare the land for pulses and winter vegetables," he noted.
Rafiqul Islam, additional director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Khulna region, remains optimistic that the region's Aman harvest will make a significant contribution to the national economy. With harvesting progressing steadily and Rabi crop preparations underway, farmers in Khulna remain hopeful for a productive and profitable season ahead.