Farmers in Kishoreganj district are passing busy time for Boro seedling ignoring extreme cold.
In the last year, farmers counted loss for not getting fair price of Aman and Boro paddy. For this, they are struggling in Boro season to recover the last time losses. They are expecting bumper yield and good price of Boro paddy this season.
Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) has set a target of cultivating Boro paddy on 1, 67,676 hectares of land across Kishoreganj district in the current season. Deputy Director (DD) of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) Md Motiur Rahman confirmed this.
Meanwhile, farmers are busy preparing their fields, applying fertilizers and such, optimistic about harvesting the crop early.
Of the targeted area to be brought under Boro cultivation, Hossainpur upazila 7890 hectares, Kishoreganj Sadar upazila 9235 hectares, Pakundia upazila 9596 hectares, Katiadi upazila 12815 hectares, Karimganj upazila 9995 hectares, Tarail upazila 10565 hectars, Mithamoin upazila 16125 hectares, Nikli upazila 15245 hectares, Austagram upazila 24130 hectares, Bajitpur upazila 12310 hectares, Kuliarchar upazila 6440 hectares and Bhairab upazila 6430 hectares.
Some farmers in the region have already started to plant seedlings ahead of the peak season, while most will commence cultivate soon.
The availability of cheap labour is also getting their hopes up for a good harvest, along with favourable weather conditions.
Shahidul Islam, of the Mrigha village under Itna upazila, said the weather conditions, so far, are favouring the seedbeds. He added that it will take less time than usual to extract the seedlings, if the weather remains consistent. There will also be no need to transfer the seedlings to cold storages, thus, reducing expenses to a great deal.
Deputy Director (DD) of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) Md. Motiur Rahman said, we prepared farmers for the cultivation of boro paddy.
Farmer's are now busy transplanting boro seedlings. He also said importance should be given to providing adequate training and agri-loans among the farmers