Bumper yield from hybrid varieties of maize has marked profitable in the current rabi season in Tangail. During this season, the government has given free maize seeds and fertilizers to farmers in large quantities. For that, maize has been planted in more land than the target.
In 12 upazilas of the district, especially across the grasslands, only the emerging seedlings of maize are now being adorned. The green leaves of corn are shimmering in the wind. Farmers are eagerly working in the field with the hope of good yield.
According to the sources of DAE, most of the marginal farmers in the pastures of different upazilas surrounded by rivers in the district are benefiting from the cultivation of early hybrid maize during the Rabi season for the past few years. Maize is grown more than other crops in the grasslands. Maize cultivation is increasing day by day as it is more profitable with less labor and cost.
At present, the use of maize has increased in various fields as well as wheat. Maize is also used as cattle feed. Moreover, maize is also in great demand for the poultry industry.
Maize usually grown about 40 to 45 monper bigha of land. By spending tk. 8,000-10,000 per bigha, farmers can sell maize worth tk. 30,000-50,000.
In the current Rabi season, the shape of the crop in the land is good and the farmers are smiling. They are now busy tending the land. Many farmers have also grown winter vegetables as companion crops on maize land.
According to the sources, maize has been planted in more land than the target in the current rabi season. The agriculture department has targeted 5,500 hectares of land for maize cultivation. But 7,260 hectares of land has been cultivated. 1760 hectares of land have been planted more than the target that is 1776 hectares more than last year.
A total of 13,500 kg of corn seeds have been given free of cost to 6750 farmers having two kg each under the incentive program from the Directorate of Agricultural Extension. Also 20 kg of DAP fertilizer and 10 kg of MOP fertilizer are provided free of charge to the farmers.
Larger amount of farmers get maize incentives this season than any time in the past. Farmers benefited more due to the high price of maize in the market last year. Therefore, beyond the incentive program, a large number of farmers have planted maize in their land this season.
The agriculture department is providing necessary training and support to the farmers to increase the cultivation of maize and increase the profit-margin.
MinhajUddin, a maize farmer in Jamuna Char area of Bhuapur Upazila, said that this year, all our crops, including our seed beds and vegetable fields, have been submerged in water. As a result, we suffered huge losses. o overcome this loss, we have grown maize in the pastures that have risen on the banks of the Jamuna after the flood. The cost of maize cultivation is very low and the profit is very high. Hopefully we can overcome the flood damage by cultivating the maize this year.
Anowar Hossain, a maize farmer, said that the soil here is suitable for maize cultivation and make bumper yield from maize. This year I cultivated maize in five bighas of land. Expect to get 35 to 40 monsper bigha. Last year, the yield of maize was good in the grazing area. So this year, I planted maize in more lands. I have seen people who used to cultivate other crops have also cultivated maize.
Farmer Sohel Rana of Agdeuli village from Deuli union of Delduar upazila said, this is the first time I have planted the maize. Maize is grown here in abundance in various places around. The yield of maize is also high and the price is good.
I planted maize on 40 percent of the land and I hope to get good yield.
Farhanul Kabir, Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer of Deuli Inion of Delduar Upazila, said that the cultivation of maize has been increasing continuously for the past few years. As a new crop, we provide training the farmers how to cultivate maize properly in the field so that the farmers do not face any problems at all in cultivating the maize. Farmers are also being advised to suppress various diseases and insects in maize.
Ahsanul Bashar, deputy director of the Directorate of Agricultural Extension at Tangail, said that the target of 5,500 hectares of land was taken in the district this year. But 7,260 hectares of land has been cultivated. 1760 hectares of land have been planted more than the target that is 1,776 hectares more than the last year. The Department of Agricultural Extension provides training and technical support to farmers to control pests of the plants and increase yield.
