Rangpur: The average yield of short and medium-term Aman rice is forecasting bumper production of this staple food grain in all five districts of the Rangpur region this season. Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) for Rangpur region, Krishibid Md Sirajul Islam, reported that farmers are currently harvesting these rice varieties and achieving encouraging yields.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Islam stated that after harvesting short and medium-term Aman rice on 20 percent of the total cultivated land, farmers have achieved an average production rate of 3.14 tonnes of clean rice per hectare. This equates to 4.71 tonnes in terms of dry paddy. As the long-term Aman paddy harvesting progresses by the end of the month, the average yield rate is expected to increase further, leading to bumper production and achieving the set production target.
Krishibid Islam noted that minimal crop damage due to recent floods and insect attacks has contributed to the positive outlook for Aman rice production in the region. The harvest is gaining momentum, with farmers expressing satisfaction with the yield of clean grains.
The interim government, through the DAE, had initially set a production target of 20,10,505 tonnes of clean Aman rice from 6,20,430 hectares. However, farmers have cultivated Aman rice on 6,21,505 hectares, surpassing the target. Harvesting has occurred on about 1,24,301 hectares, maintaining an average yield rate of 3.14 tonnes of clean rice per hectare.
After inspecting the Aman rice fields, Krishibid Islam observed that the plants benefited from ample sunlight and frequent rainfall, resulting in an excellent crop yield. Post-harvest, farmers are planting early variety potatoes, winter vegetables, and other Rabi crops, creating jobs for farm-workers and widespread activity across the region.
Local farmers, such as Manik Mia and Ariful Haque, reported cultivating Aman rice on their lands and expect high yield rates between 45 and 55 mounds per acre. Farmers Mofizar Rahman, Nur Islam, and Solaiman Ali echoed similar sentiments, noting excellent yields from their harvests.
Mohsin Ali mentioned that farmers are selling their newly harvested Aman paddy for Taka 1,150 to 1,250 per mound, depending on the variety, in local markets.