An excellent growth of mustard across the Kishoreganj district has made the growers optimistic of getting bumper production during the current season.
The cultivation of mustard has been easier in the region due to favourable weather condition and timely supply of necessary agri-inputs.
Highland is suitable for cultivating mustard. Low cost and easy production procedure encourage the growers to farm in on more land. It is a short-duration crop. Farmers can harvest it within 70 days of sprinkling of the seeds.
According to DAE Office sources, the mustard growers are passing their busy days in farming the crop amid a favorable climate condition and availability of quality mustard seeds, fertilizers and other agri-inputs.
Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer (SAAO) Farjana Yeasmin said, the crop has already been cultivated on 6500 hectares till December and more lands will be brought under the farming within this month. She further said that the department has a target of bringing at least 7550 hectares under mustard cultivation in 13 upazilas of the district during the Rabi Season with an estimated output of 9815 tonnes of mustard.
Of the total target, 125 hectares of land would be brought under the cultivation in Hossainpur, 45 hectares in Kishoreganj Sadar Upazila, 130 hectares in Pakundia, 545 hectares in Katiadi, 1330 hectares in Karimganj, 660 hectares in Tarail, 395 hectares in Itna, 80 hectares in Mitamoin, 600 hectares in Nikli, 160 hectares in Austagram, 995 hectares in Bajitpur, 240 hectares in Kuliarchar and 2245 hectares in Bhairab upazilas.
District Training Officer (DTO) Dr. Mohit Kumar Dey of the DAE Kishoreganj told, mustard cultivation has been gaining popularity day by day as the crop has already been recognized as a cash crop as the mustard oil is being exported to some of foreign countries where a considerable number of Bangladeshi people are living. In line with the farmer friendly programmes of the government, the crop specialists and agri-experts of DAED Kishoreganj have continued their field-level service for the mustard growers, Dr. Mohit Kumer Dey also said.
The authorities concerned have taken adequate step for ensuring smooth supply of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, technical assistance and other necessary inputs to the growers at the grassroots level while commercial banks, other financial institutions and NGOs provided easy term agriculture loans for the purpose.