Chattogram: Oilseeds cultivation in Chattogram has seen a dramatic increase, growing 13 times over a decade, as the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) has executed a strategic plan to enhance oilseed farming across the district.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the DAE's plan, named 'Increase in Oilseed Crop Production,' has been pivotal in boosting mustard seed cultivation and production annually. The project aims to increase production by 15 to 20 percent and promote the cultivation of crops like mustard, sesame, sunflower, and peanut, reducing dependency on imported edible oils.
Official data indicates that in the 2014-2015 seasons, mustard cultivation in Chattogram was targeted at 351 hectares. The current 2025 season has set a target of 4,673 hectares, marking a 13-fold increase. A notable rise in production has been recorded over the past three years, especially post-2022.
Nur Nabi, a farmer from Sitakundu, shared with BSS that the demand and profitability of mustard cultivation have attracted more farmers. Mustard is typically grown between Boro and Aman seasons alongside paddy and vegetables. Beekeeping has also gained traction due to its association with mustard farming, as confirmed by DAE officials.
The introduction of new varieties has improved crop yields, benefiting both honey extraction and mustard farmers. DAE officials reported increased cultivation areas and production in recent seasons. In the 2020-21 season, mustard was cultivated on 758 hectares, producing 932.24 million tons. The following season saw a slight decrease to 711 hectares with 854 tons produced.
However, cultivation expanded in the 2022-23 season to 2,342 hectares, yielding 2,576 tons. This upward trend continued into the 2023-24 season with 3,987 hectares under cultivation and 4,750 tons produced. In the current 2024-25 season, 4,673 hectares were cultivated, producing 5,678 tons. The Bari variety of mustard was predominant, covering 4,254 hectares, while other varieties accounted for 419 hectares.
Historically, Chattogram focused on paddy and vegetable cultivation with minimal mustard farming. Recent initiatives have significantly increased mustard cultivation in the region. Farmers are now cultivating both high-yielding and local mustard varieties, with noticeable growth in upazilas like Raozan, Hathazari, Fatikchhari, Mirsarai, and Rangunia.
The Ministry of Agriculture's website suggests that the project could cut oil import rates by 40.54% within three years. Bangladesh's annual edible oil demand is about 3.2 million tons, with per capita consumption at 17 kg annually. Palm oil accounts for 50% of this demand, soybean oil 28%, sorghum oil 19%, and the rest from various oils.
Sorghum oil is gaining popularity as a healthier option due to its nutritional benefits, boosting awareness and sales of safflower oil. Md. Omar Faruk, Additional Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture, stated that the DAE is working on increasing mustard production through incentive programs and collaboration with public representatives, with oilseed cultivation ideally occurring between the Boro and Aman cropping periods.