Rangpur: The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set an ambitious target for the Rangpur agricultural region, aiming to produce 179,161 tonnes of clean Aush rice from 59,195 hectares during the current Kharif-1 season. Agriculturist Md Shirajul Islam, Deputy Director of the DAE for the Rangpur region, indicated that the transplantation of Aush rice seedlings will commence shortly and continue until the first week of June across all five districts in the region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, farmers in Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, and Nilphamari districts have already laid the groundwork by preparing seedbeds on 558 hectares of land, part of a broader target of 2,791 hectares. The government has initiated several measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture, expanding Aush rice cultivation as part of its strategy to boost rice production and secure national food reserves.
The government’s initiatives encompass distributing incentives to small and marginal farmers, conducting motivational campaigns, and providing technical assistance. These efforts aim to expand Aush rice cultivation and augment production, turning the off-season between Boro harvest and Aman planting into a productive period with short-duration Aush rice needing less irrigation.
Last Kharif-1 season saw farmers in the region produce 184,603 tonnes of clean Aush rice from 61,163 hectares. The production figures for 2024, 2023, and 2022 reveal a steady output with slight fluctuations in cultivation area and yield. Agriculturist Islam notes the growing popularity of Aush rice cultivation due to these effective government measures, which allow farmers to transition from Aush to Aman paddy seamlessly, boosting overall production and contributing to sustainable food security.
Md Mamunur Rashid, a PhD Fellow at Dinajpur Haji Mohammad Danesh University of Science and Technology, underscores the potential of Aush rice farming to enhance food production amid climate challenges. Rashid advocates for modern technology in Aush farming to increase yields and ensure food security, particularly by leveraging seasonal rainwater during May, June, and July.
Dr Md Abdul Majid, a noted rice scientist, commends the annual expansion of Aush rice cultivation in northern Bangladesh, recognizing the government’s efforts to promote a crop that requires less irrigation and can thrive under challenging climatic conditions. Farmers in Rangpur, such as Aminur Rahman and Iqbal Mahmud, have already prepared their land and are ready to commence transplanting Aush seedlings, reflecting a proactive approach to this vital agricultural initiative.