Rangpur: Farmers across the five districts of Rangpur agricultural region have successfully produced 16,07,092 tonnes of maize during the Rabi and recently concluded Kharif-1 seasons in 2026. Market sources indicate that the substantial production coupled with favorable prices has positively impacted the farmers' economic conditions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the market has seen farmers selling their harvested maize at rates between Taka 1,000 and Taka 1,150 per mound, equivalent to 40 kilograms. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) officials reported that during the last Rabi season, farmers produced 14,17,133 tonnes of maize from 1,26,756 hectares, while the Kharif-1 season witnessed a production of 1,89,959 tonnes from 20,815 hectares.
Md Shirajul Islam, Additional Director of DAE for Rangpur region, highlighted the government's role in facilitating maize farming by providing special incentives, high-yielding varieties of seeds, fertilizers, and the latest technologies. This support has encouraged farmers to cultivate maize on both mainland and riverbank areas, including the char lands near the Brahmaputra, Teesta, and other rivers.
Islam noted the profitability of maize farming in comparison to other crops, emphasizing its role in reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of farmers in Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Nilphamari, and Lalmonirhat districts. The demand for maize in poultry feed, animal feed, and food industries has contributed to the successful cultivation.
Several farmers, including Mohammad Ali, Abu Bakar, and Hashem Ali from Gangachara upazila, expressed satisfaction with the excellent yield and profits from the Kharif-1 season. Anwar Hossain, another farmer from Mohipur village, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the bumper production during both seasons.
Agriculturist Dr Md Abdul Mazid, an Independence Award 2018 Medal recipient for food security, emphasized the potential for increasing maize production. He advocated for expanding low-irrigation crops like maize and wheat to mitigate the reliance on high-irrigation Boro rice, thereby enhancing food security and environmental sustainability.
Dr Mazid also pointed out the nutritional benefits of maize, particularly its vitamin A content and the production of cholesterol-free corn oil. He recommended incorporating maize into diets alongside other crops like potatoes to alleviate pressure on rice consumption, urging a shift in dietary habits for better health outcomes.