Farmers are now passing busy times with rowing Aush paddy seedlings on their crop lands in Bogura.
According to sources, compared to previous years, government incentives for Aush farming have increased, further encouraging farmers to bring more land under cultivation.
With hopes of a good harvest, they are now fully immersed in land preparation, transplanting, weeding, and fertilising.
Field visits to various upazilas revealed scenes of bustling agricultural activity. Early-transplanted Aush fields are already flourishing, with paddy stalks swaying gently in the wind.
Bogura, known as a grain basket, sees three rice-growing seasons each year. Aush is typically grown on higher or fallow land between Boro and Aman seasons.
As a rain-fed crop, Aush requires minimal irrigation and fewer pesticides due to lower pest infestations, making it an affordable option for small-scale farmers.
Abul Monsur, a farmer from Manikchak, said his land is slightly elevated, so instead of leaving it fallow, he has planted Aush.
Khoshru Miah from Matidali added that the crop matures within three months, costs less to grow, and allows for subsequent cultivation of other crops without high input costs. He plans to increase his cultivation area next year.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), sowing takes place between May and June, with harvesting expected by August.
This season, farmers are using high-yield varieties, and Aush is being grown in several upazilas, including Sadar, Gabtoli, Sariakandi, and Shahjahanpur.
DAE’s Deputy Director, Agriculturist Sohel Md. Shamsuddin Firoz, stated that 7,600 farmers received Tk 57.19 lakh worth of seed and fertiliser support. The department aims to produce 60,000 tonnes of paddy (equivalent to 40,000 tonnes of rice) from 12,700 hectares this season.
He added that Aush rice entering the market will help stabilise prices.
