An all-time record production of maize is likely in Kishoreganj agriculture region where the farmers exceeded its fixed farming target by 6993 hectares of land in 13 upazila with a production target 65104.83 metric tons of maize during this Robi season.
Officials of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) said the farmers are showing huge interest in expanding maize cultivation after getting repeated bumper production with excellent price in recent years.
“Maize cultivation is expanding faster contributing to cutting poverty and helping the poor in improving livelihoods and achieving self-reliance,” Md. Motiur Rahman, Deputy Director of the DAE, Kishoreganj.
Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer (SAAO) Md. Rostum Ali said, the crop has already been cultivated on 6400 hectares December 29.
Of the total target, 105 hectares of land would be brought under the cultivation with a production target of 978 metric tons in Hossainpur, 265 hectares with a production target of 2466 metric tons in Kishoreganj Sadar, 45 hectares with a production target of 420 metric tons in Pakundia, 70 hectares with a production target of 652 metric tons in Katiadi, 70 hectares with a production target of 652 metric tons in Karimganj, 20 hectares with a production target of 186 metric tons in Tarail, 130 hectares with a production target of 1210 metric tons in Itna, 1935 hectares with a production target of 18015 metric tons in Mithamoin, 2360 hectares with a production target of 21970 metric tons in Nikli, 423 hectares with a production target of 3935 metric tons in Austagram, 1480 hectares with a production target of 13775 metric tons in Bajitpur, 55 hectares with a production target of 512 metric tons in Kuliarchar and 35 hectares with a production target of 325 metric tons in Bhairab upazila.
Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) and a number of NGO's have taken steps to provide quality Maize seeds among the farmers to ensure its proper cultivation.
The authorities concerned have taken adequate steps for ensuring smooth supply of chemical fertiliers, pesticides, technical assistant and others inputs to the Maize growers at grassroots level. Besides, commercial banks, other financial institutions and NGO's provided easy term agriculture loans in this connection.
On the other hand necessary training and advices were given to the cultivations for ensuring maximum production said by Dr. Mohit Kumer Dey, District Training Officer (DTO) of the DAE, Kishoreganj.