Narail: The district is experiencing an exceptional Aman paddy harvest this Kharif-2 season, bringing renewed optimism and smiles to farmers' faces across the region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, agriculture officials confirmed that around 90 percent of the ripe Aman paddy has already been harvested, with yields surpassing expectations due to favorable weather and increased cultivation.
The district Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) reported that the planting target for Aman paddy in the district's three upazilas was set at 43,450 hectares. However, after receiving government incentives and access to high-yielding seed varieties, farmers cultivated Aman on 43,455 hectares of land, slightly exceeding the target. This season, Sadar upazila saw cultivation on 20,140 hectares, while 11,260 hectares were planted in Lohagara and 12,055 hectares in Kalia upazila.
Deputy Assistant Agricultural Officer Nipu Majumdar stated that a wide range of improved and hybrid varieties-such as Ufshi Bari Paddy-75 and 87, Bina Paddy-7 and 17, Paddy Gold, A2Z-7006, along with traditional varieties like Jabra, Kalojira, Chinigura, Digha, and Kshirkon-contributed to the high yield. Farmers on the ground are equally enthusiastic about the results.
Ajmal Hossain, a grower from Amada village in Lohagara upazila, reported cultivating Aman on two acres this year. He noted, "The weather has been favorable, and the yield is very good. New rice is selling for Taka 950 to 1,000 per maund, so farmers are quite happy."
Deputy Director of DAE Mohammad Arifur Rahman attributed the bumper harvest to multiple government initiatives, including providing high-yielding seed varieties at subsidized prices, regular field-level guidance, training in modern rice-farming techniques, technological support, improved disease management, and enhanced seed-handling practices. He emphasized that the abundant Aman harvest is strengthening the district's agricultural prospects, revitalizing the local economy, and filling farmers' granaries.
With the harvest nearing completion, officials expect the remaining paddy to be fully harvested by the first week of December.