Thakurgaon:The fields across Thakurgaon are turning golden as farmers harvest early varieties of Aman rice, but the bumper yield has failed to bring them the expected relief. Despite a good harvest this season, growers are struggling to get fair prices for their paddy, raising fears that higher production will not translate into higher profits.
According to United News of Bangladesh, farmers in Thakurgaon are particularly concerned about the low market prices which are barely covering their increased production costs due to higher prices of fuel, pesticides, and agricultural labor. With harvesting and threshing activities gaining momentum across the district, many farmers find themselves in a predicament as the market price remains low.
Jamal Uddin, a farmer from Bhaulahat area of Sadar upazila, expressed disappointment despite initially being happy with the yield from his six bighas of land. Another farmer, Mohsin, reported a drop in paddy prices, which is impacting their ability to earn a reasonable return. He noted that the current selling price of paddy is almost equal to the production cost, leaving straw as the only potential source of profit.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) reported that Aman cultivation in Thakurgaon exceeded the season's target, with a cultivation area reaching 137,300 hectares against a target of 137,270 hectares. However, concerns over weak farmgate prices and rising cultivation costs persist, exacerbated by the absence of government procurement at the season's start.
DAE Deputy Director Majedul Islam highlighted early harvesting as a positive development for farmers, offering relief during the traditionally difficult Kartik period. Yet, he acknowledged the ongoing issue of low paddy prices. District Assistant Agricultural Marketing Officer Sakhawat Hossain advised farmers to store their paddy and sell it later for better prices, while efforts continue to monitor the market against unfair practices by traders.