Manikganj: The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) is expecting a bumper production of maize in the district as the cultivation target exceeded a large scale in all seven upazilas of the district during the current season.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, farmers cultivated maize on 21,365 hectares of land, surpassing the initial target set at 17,032 hectares. The DAE had aimed to cultivate maize on 17,032 hectares with a production target of 1,65,721 metric tons. However, the actual cultivation covered 21,365 hectares, highlighting the crop’s growing popularity in the region.
Maize cultivation is increasingly popular across all seven upazilas of Manikganj, with targets being surpassed annually. The crop is extensively cultivated on char lands, becoming one of the most prominent cash crops in the district. The DAE attributes this rise to the crop’s easy cultivation process, minimal irrigation requirements, and strong market demand.
The versatility of maize adds to its appeal, as it is not only sold year-round but also serves multiple purposes. Its green leaves are used as cattle fodder, while the stalks are utilized as firewood in rural communities.
Farmers like Mohammad Ali from Shridharnagar village in Ghior upazila have embraced maize cultivation enthusiastically. Ali has planted maize on five bighas of land this year and plans to cultivate the crop again on the same land after harvesting. Many farmers in the district follow this practice, planting maize twice on the same plot annually.
The farmers are benefiting from high production yields and favorable market prices, aided by timely access to agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilizers. Harvesting of the maize is expected to commence soon, according to cultivators’ sources.
Dr. Robiah Noor Ahmed, Deputy Director of DAE, noted that the crop’s multipurpose uses and consistent demand throughout the year contribute significantly to its increasing popularity in Manikganj.