Thakurgaon:The fields of Thakurgaon are turning golden with a bumper harvest of early Aman rice, yet farmers are not seeing the expected financial relief. Despite a successful yield, they struggle to receive fair prices for their crops, raising concerns that increased production may not lead to increased profits.
According to United News of Bangladesh, farmers are facing market prices that barely cover their rising production costs, driven up by higher fuel, pesticide, and labor expenses. As harvesting and threshing progress across the district, farmers remain disheartened by the low market prices.
Jamal Uddin, a farmer from the Bhaulahat area of Sadar upazila, expressed his initial delight with the yield from his six bighas of land but noted his optimism waned due to market conditions. Similarly, another farmer, Mohsin, reported a drop in the price of a two-maund sack of paddy from Tk 2,200-2,250 to around Tk 2,100, while the current selling price of Tk 1,050-1,100 per maund falls short of the Tk 1,200-1,300 needed for a reasonable return.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) noted that Aman cultivation in Thakurgaon exceeded the target of 137,270 hectares by 30 hectares, with early harvesting beginning on 15,000 hectares. High-yielding varieties like BRRI Dhan-75 and hybrid varieties such as Dhanigold are being harvested, yet concerns about weak farmgate prices and cultivation costs persist.
The absence of government procurement at the start of the harvesting season has further limited farmers' bargaining power, leaving them reliant on local traders. DAE Deputy Director Majedul Islam described early Aman harvesting as positive, especially during the lean period, but acknowledged the lower prices farmers are currently getting.
Sakhawat Hossain, District Assistant Agricultural Marketing Officer, advised farmers against selling their paddy immediately at low prices and suggested storing them to sell later for better prices. The Department of Agricultural Marketing is monitoring local markets to prevent price manipulation by traders.