Gaibandha: Vast tracts of mustard fields across Gaibandha district have turned bright yellow as the crop has reached full bloom, raising hopes among farmers for a bumper production this season.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, mustard cultivation has gained popularity among local farmers in recent years due to satisfactory yields and fair market prices of the Rabi crop. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) reported that mustard has been cultivated on 9,460 hectares of land across all seven upazilas of the district during the current season.
In detail, 855 hectares were devoted to mustard cultivation in Gaibandha Sadar upazila, 1,250 hectares in Sadullapur, 850 hectares in Palashbari, 4,150 hectares in Gobindaganj, 1,330 hectares in Sundarganj, 735 hectares in Saghata, and 290 hectares in Fulchhari upazila. Farmers are actively tending to the mustard fields, guided by sub-assistant agriculture officers to ensure optimal production.
Field-level agriculture officials noted the increasing interest in mustard cultivation due to repeated bumper harvests and better prices. District Training Officer of DAE Md Asaduzzaman highlighted that favourable weather, timely supply of quality seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs, along with low pest attacks, have contributed to this positive outlook.
Furthermore, commercial banks, including Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank, have provided soft loans to mustard growers to boost production. DAE Deputy Director Md Atiqul Islam mentioned that even lands owned by marginal farmers were used for mustard cultivation this year to help improve their economic condition, adding that the yellow fields have also enhanced the natural beauty of the area.