Khulna: Boro paddy cultivation is advancing rapidly across four districts in the Khulna agricultural region, overcoming winter conditions such as cold and fog. Farmers are optimistic about reaching their yield targets, even in the coastal areas.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) aims to cultivate 264,719 hectares for Boro paddy this year, targeting a production of 1,210,283 metric tonnes of rice. Last year’s targets were slightly lower, with 257,020 hectares aimed for cultivation and a production target of 1,138,871 metric tonnes.
Farmers are actively engaged in land preparation and seedbed establishment, with full-scale seedling transplantation expected to commence shortly. Boro rice transplantation typically starts in early January and extends through February, with peak activity in mid-January.
DAE sources indicate that both traditional manual methods and mechanical rice transplanters are being employed, with the latter gaining traction in several areas. In Khulna district alone, Boro saplings have already been transplanted on 28,075 hectares against a target of 66,000 hectares, with an expected production of 315,060 metric tonnes.
In Bagerhat, 35,800 hectares are under cultivation against a target of 67,622 hectares, aiming for 323,572 metric tonnes of rice. Satkhira’s cultivation has reached 55,435 hectares against a target of 80,800 hectares, with a production goal of 341,443 metric tonnes. In Narail, 23,240 hectares have been cultivated, against a target of 50,297 hectares, with an expected production of 230,208 metric tonnes.
Farmers are using high-yielding and drought-tolerant rice varieties such as BRRI dhan 28, 29, 48, 58, 74, 84, 89, 92, and 100. They are also implementing measures to protect seedbeds from cold weather.
The popularity of short-duration and drought-tolerant varieties is rising, as they require less irrigation and still yield well. Md Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of the DAE in Khulna, stated that favorable weather is aiding the rapid progress of cultivation to achieve targets ahead of schedule.
Under the guidance of Agriculture Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Zahangir Alam Chowdhury, farmers are encouraged to cultivate all available land. There is no irrigation shortage, and government incentives have bolstered interest in Boro farming.
Field-level officials, researchers, and scientists are actively promoting high-yielding varieties to farmers. Shamsher Ali, a farmer from Kadamtala village in Dumuria upazila, reported preparing seedbeds on 40 decimals of land for cultivating Boro paddy on 25 bighas. He has taken steps to protect his seedbeds from cold and started transplanting seedlings last week.
Grassroots farmers attribute their increased engagement in Boro cultivation to better yields and favorable market prices in recent seasons, contributing to regional food security.
To facilitate seamless Boro cultivation, measures have been taken to ensure the availability of fertilizers, insecticides, and other agricultural inputs, along with uninterrupted electricity by West Zone Power Distribution Company Ltd and rural electrification authorities, as noted by a DAE official.