Rangpur: The government has set a target for farmers in the Rangpur agricultural region to produce 13,28,993 tonnes of winter maize during the current (2025-2026) Rabi season, cultivating this crop over 1,15,443 hectares of land.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) stated that farmers have already commenced sowing early variety maize seeds following the harvest of short-term Aman paddy. Over 2,500 hectares of land in the five districts of Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Nilphamari, and Lalmonirhat have been seeded with maize, covering both mainland and riverine char areas.
The region's farmers have consistently achieved bumper production and benefited from favorable market prices. This success has fueled their interest in expanding maize cultivation due to rising local market demand. Currently, maize is being sold at prices ranging between Taka 1,280 and Taka 1,350 per mound (40 kg) in the region.
In the previous Rabi season (2024-2025), farmers exceeded expectations by producing 14,25,001 tonnes of maize from 1,27,251 hectares, surpassing the target of 13,28,993 tonnes from 1,17,043 hectares. Acting Additional Director of DAE for Rangpur region, Md Sirajul Islam, highlighted that the cultivation area surpassed the goal by 8.72 percent.
The government is actively supporting small and marginal farmers by providing free seeds and fertilizers to boost maize production. The cultivation of maize on char lands and dried riverbeds continues, contributing significantly to poverty reduction and improving the quality of life for local farmers.
Deputy Director of the DAE's Burirhat Horticulture Centre, Dr Md Abu Sayem, emphasized the profitability of maize cultivation compared to other crops, with farmers encouraged to expand cultivation through access to quality seeds and modern technology.
Dr MA Mazid, an Independence Medal-2018 recipient for food security, noted the growing popularity and profitability of maize in the region's mainland and sandy char areas. He suggested adopting conservation agriculture technologies to enhance productivity and ensure food security.
Local farmers like Mozammel Haque, Rafikul Islam, and Abdul Gani have expressed their commitment to maize cultivation, sowing seeds after their Aman rice harvest, driven by the promise of high returns and market demand.