Farmers in the Chapainawabganj district are poised to surpass their production targets for boro rice this year, aiming to harvest 253,780 metric tonnes, thanks to a surge in interest spurred by last season's bumper yield. The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) has outlined an ambitious plan to cultivate boro rice across 52,200 hectares of land. The cultivation efforts are distributed across various upazilas, with 13,220 hectares in Sadar, 15,720 in Gomastapur, 6,250 in Bholahat, 9,680 in Nachole, and 7,330 hectares in Shibganj. Farmers like Kawsar Ali from Sadar upazila are busy preparing their fields and sowing boro seeds. Ali, who has dedicated eight bighas of land to boro cultivation, noted the rising costs of production, attributing them to increased labor and irrigation expenses. Similarly, Mayez Uddin pointed out the hike in land plowing costs from Tk 300 to Tk 350, alongside rising labor charges. Govt to provide Tk 108 crore as incentive to boost Boro production: Ministry Paddy workers, enduring the winter chill to plant boro, like Madan, highlighted that the current rate of Tk 500 for planting helps cover their household expenses despite the hard work. Dr. Palash Sarkar, Deputy Director of DAE, remains optimistic about this year's prospects. He mentioned the widespread adoption of the Ufsi boro variety, ensuring there's no shortage of seeds or fertilizers. Furthermore, irrigation has been smooth due to reliable power supply, and farmers have received all necessary guidance from agricultural officials. With these favorable conditions, Dr. Sarkar anticipates that the boro rice production target will not only be met but exceeded, signaling a successful and productive season ahead for the farmers of Chapainawabganj. Half of Boro paddy procurement target not achieved yet, Food Minister tells JS

Farmers in the coastal region of Barguna are rejoicing over their successful yield of salt-tolerant Bri varieties rice.  At Amratala village, located in Kalmegha Union of Patharghata Upazila, where growing crops is typically challenging, local farmers have reported good yields of Bri 67, 74, and 97 rice varieties.  Talking to UNB, local farmers, who hope to harvest 23-24 maunds of paddy per bigha, have expressed their satisfaction with the results. Badal Howladar, a local farmer, expressed his satisfaction with the results, saying that the Bri rice varieties have done very well in the salinity-hit area. Also Read: Bangladeshi scientists unveil full genome sequence of salinity, flood-tolerant rice The farmers said they cultivated the rice varieties for the first time during the  Boro season in 2022-23as per the recommendation of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI).  The farmers have been growing the rice under the supervision of the Irrigation and Water Management Department of the BRRI. To showcase the successful cultivation of salinity-tolerant Bri Dhan 67, Bri Dhan 74, and Bri Dhan 97 rice varieties, the BRRI organized a farmers' field day and harvesting exhibition on the fallow land in Amratala village recvently.  Director General of the BRRI Dr. Md. Shahjahan Kabir and its senior scientific officer Dr Devjit Roy , among others, visited the filed. Also Read: How salinity taking toll on coastal people in Satkhira  Dr. Md. Shahjahan Kabir said the institute has developed many high-yielding and salinity-tolerant rice varieties, including Bri 67 and Bri 97.  These varieties can withstand high salinity levels and have a lifespan of 140-145 days, he said.  Kabir added that the successful cultivation of these rice varieties in coastal salinity-hit areas like Barguna district through improved water management could play a vital role in the country's food security.