Rajshahi: Around 6.46 lakh tonnes of mustard yield is expected to be harvested from approximately 3.89 lakh hectares of land in all eight districts under the Rajshahi division during the current Rabi season. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set a goal of producing 3.06 lakh tonnes of mustard from 1.82 lakh hectares of land in four districts of the Rajshahi Agricultural Zone, while another 3.40 lakh tonnes are anticipated from 2.07 lakh hectares in four districts under the Bogra Agricultural Zone. Dr Azizur Rahman, Additional Director of DAE, noted the significant contribution of landless and marginal farmers who have cultivated vast tracts of sandy char land in the Ganges basins, resulting in promising growth across the region. The DAE attributes the anticipated bumper production to favourable climate conditions, high-yielding varieties, modern technologies, and government initiatives. Various research and development organizations, including the Ba ngladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) and several NGOs, have collaborated with other departments to achieve these production targets. Local farmers like Monimul Haque and Sazzad Hossain have expanded their mustard cultivation, citing easy cultivation processes and lower production costs as key factors. Upazila Agriculture Officer Mariam Ahmed emphasized the government's priority on agriculture, ensuring that field-level officials and researchers extend necessary services to farmers. The On-Farm Research Division (OFRD) of BARI has been instrumental in promoting improved varieties and better management practices, with BARI releasing 16 high-yielding mustard seed varieties. Dr Shakhawat Hossain of OFRD highlighted the importance of mustard as a water-saving crop, especially in the Barind area, which faces significant water scarcity. Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) has also been active in promoting less-water-consuming crops, underscoring the importance of mustard seed expansion for r educing pressure on underground water resources. BMDA Executive Director Tariqul Alam reiterated the crop's significance in sustaining the region's agricultural practices.
