Khulna: Farmers in the Khulna agricultural region have successfully transplanted Aman rice seedlings on 1,09,298 hectares of land, accounting for 38 percent of the targeted cultivation area. This progress has been facilitated by frequent rainfall, which has accelerated farming activities in the region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set a target to produce 8,56,974 tonnes of clean Aman rice, equivalent to 12,85,461 tonnes of paddy, across the districts of Khulna, Bagerhat, Narail, and Satkhira this season. DAE Additional Director for Khulna Region, Md Rafiqul Islam, expressed optimism that the target would be achieved as transplantation continues under favorable weather conditions.
Of the total production target, 6,64,769 tonnes of high-yielding Aman rice are expected from 2,20,442 hectares, 1,15,925 tonnes of hybrid varieties from 30,216 hectares, and 76,280 tonnes of local varieties from 39,201 hectares. To support this effort, the government has provided agricultural incentives, including quality seeds and fertilizers, to small and marginal farmers. A total of 44,000 farmers received 220 tonnes of seeds, 440 tonnes of DAP, and 440 tonnes of MOP fertilizers, with each beneficiary receiving 5 kg of seeds, 10 kg of DAP, and 10 kg of MOP for one bigha of land.
The DAE has also initiated the preparation of seedbeds for late Aman varieties in highlands and floating seedbeds in low-lying areas to mitigate potential seedling shortages during possible flooding events. “We have directed field-level agricultural officers to provide farmers with all necessary support and modern technology to ensure successful Aman cultivation,” stated Rafiqul Islam.
During a visit to Dacope upazila in Khulna, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha observed farmers actively engaged in transplanting Aman seedlings, preparing croplands, applying fertilizers, and removing weeds despite heavy rainfall. Farmers in the villages of Kalabogi, Sutarkhali, and Pankhali reported that transplantation efforts had intensified following recent rains.
Farmer Shailendranath Biswas of Kalabogi expressed confidence in achieving the fixed farming target for Aman rice this season. Several farmers in Pankhali confirmed completion of transplantation on their lands, while Mofizur Rahman of Sutarkhali noted the healthy growth of Aman plants due to the recent rains.