Chattogram:Farmers in the Chattogram region are optimistic about achieving a bumper Aman rice harvest this season, despite experiencing lower-than-average and intermittent monsoon rainfall. The anticipation of a good yield has been bolstered by effective irrigation and government support across the region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Apru Marma, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in the Chattogram region, reported that the overall condition of Aman fields is promising, indicating a strong potential for a bumper harvest. Despite the reduced rainfall, farmers have successfully irrigated their fields with assistance from government departments, allowing the seedlings to grow well.
The DAE has set a production target of 553,139 tonnes of clean rice, which equates to 829,780 tonnes of paddy from 179,780 hectares of land in the region this year. Despite initial challenges due to water shortages, farmers have cultivated Aman on 179,780 hectares, surpassing the target by 140 hectares. Short-duration Aman varieties have been planted on over 113,000 hectares, with harvesting already underway and expected to conclude within the next two weeks.
Favourable market prices for the newly harvested Aman rice have also brought satisfaction to farmers in rural areas. Additionally, the government is making comprehensive efforts to ensure successful Aman cultivation, with agricultural officials actively providing necessary advice and support to farmers.
Farmers have also embraced organic fertilisers and environmentally friendly pest management techniques to safeguard their crops. Apru Marma expressed optimism about the harvest, highlighting vast stretches of ripe, semi-ripe, and growing Aman fields that present an attractive rural landscape. Local farmers, including Nazrul Islam and Abu Taher, have echoed these positive expectations, noting anticipated yields of 50 to 55 maunds per acre this season.