Dinajpur: The district is poised for a bumper yield of Iri-Boro paddy this season, with cultivation exceeding the set target across its 13 upazilas.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Deputy Director of Dinajpur Agriculture Department Md. Afzal Hossain revealed that Boro paddy has been planted on an additional 1,850 hectares of land this season, surpassing the target of 172,800 hectares. The total cultivation area now stands at 174,650 hectares. Md. Hossain expressed optimism, stating that with favorable weather and support from the Agriculture Department, the district aims to produce over 8 lakh metric tons of rice, provided no natural disasters occur.
Dinajpur is widely recognized as a surplus district in rice and paddy production and is now witnessing fields glowing green as the ears of Boro rice sway in the wind. Farmers are currently engaged in irrigation and weeding to ensure a quality harvest. Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Deputy Director of the District Department of Agricultural Extension (Training and Crops), confirmed that farmers completed the planting of Iri-Boro rice in all 13 upazilas by March 15.
Rahman further highlighted the focus on irrigation and field maintenance, with 95 percent of the cultivated land being supplied with water through electric motor-driven irrigation systems, supported by uninterrupted electricity from the Power Department. Farmers have expressed satisfaction with the irrigation facilities. Shafiqul Islam from Auliapur village in Dinajpur Sadar upazila shared that electric irrigation machines have simplified rice cultivation, with payments split between upfront costs and post-harvest settlements. Similar sentiments were echoed by Subhash Chandra Roy and Faridul Islam from Naniatekar village in Chirirbandar upazila, who are hopeful for a bumper harvest.
The Agriculture Department noted the cultivation of improved rice varieties such as Bri 23, 29, 102, 89, 90, 92, and Bri 104 Chikon, along with thick rice varieties like Bri Tia, Moyna, Syngenta-Bri 1205, and Bri-1204 across the district this season. So far, no major cultivation problems have been reported from any of the 13 upazilas, raising optimism for a strong harvest in Dinajpur, often referred to as the “food district” of the country.