Tangail: Favorable weather and timely interventions from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) have resulted in a successful yield of Ropa Aman paddy in Tangail district this season. Officials report that the district has exceeded its cultivation target, and farmers are optimistic about securing favorable market prices for their crops.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, harvesting commenced early this season and is ongoing in phases across the district. The DAE reports that farmers have harvested approximately 63 percent of the cultivated land so far. Harvesting activities are in full swing, with rural farmers engaged in cutting, threshing, and processing the newly harvested paddy. In Digor village, Kalihati upazila, a field visit revealed a festive atmosphere, as farmers work enthusiastically in the fields. While combine harvesters are increasingly used, the majority of farmers, around 80-85 percent, continue to harvest manually to maintain straw quality. Freshly harvested paddy is quickly filling farmers' yards.
The initial target for Aman paddy cultivation in Tangail was 102,000 hectares; however, farmers successfully planted 104,583 hectares, aided by government incentives and the distribution of high-yield seed varieties. Farmers report an increase in yield, expecting to harvest 18-20 maunds per bigha compared to the previous 14-16 maunds. Despite some losses due to recent storms, farmers like Abu Bakkar from Dighar village remain hopeful, estimating a yield of 18-20 maunds from two bighas of land. Abdur Jabbar, another local farmer, anticipates recovering his investment due to the overall improved yield.
The labor force is also benefiting from the peak harvesting period, with workers earning higher wages. Agronomist Ashek Parvez, Deputy Director of the District Agricultural Extension Department, credits the achievement to regular field-level consultations, modern cultivation techniques, improved seed management, and effective disease control. He notes that 62,750 hectares have already been harvested, with threshing work in progress. The district's cultivation of hybrid, Ufshi, and some local Aman varieties has performed well due to low pest infestation.
The DAE expects the complete Aman harvest in Tangail to be finished by the second week of December.