Farmers in Sirajganj are celebrating a bumper mustard harvest this season, with the high yields complemented by favourable market prices. The success of this year’s mustard cultivation has brought much-needed financial relief to many, particularly ahead of Eid. Harvesting and threshing are nearly complete across the district, with farmers reporting increased profits due to the combination of a higher-than-expected yield and strong market demand. Mustard is currently selling at around Tk 2,700 to Tk 2,800 per maund (approximately 40 kg), significantly boosting farmers’ earnings. Expansion of Cultivation According to local agricultural sources, mustard was cultivated on 87,125 hectares of land across the district’s nine upazilas. But farmers expanded their mustard fields by an additional 2,500 hectares, exceeding initial projections. The most productive regions include Tarash, Raiganj, Ullapara, Shahjadpur, Kamarkhand, Kazipur, Belkuchi, Sirajganj Sadar and the char areas along the Jamuna River. Popular mustard varieties such as Tori-7, Bari-14, Bina-9, and Bina-14 were widely cultivated, while the uric acid-free Kelania variety was grown in the char areas. Khulna farmers reap rewards from mustard cultivation, honey production Harvesting began in the second week of February and is expected to be full completed within a week. Support from Agricultural Authorities The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) played a significant role in this year’s successful harvest, providing subsidised seeds and fertilisers to small and marginal farmers. Agricultural officers also offered guidance throughout the cultivation process, ensuring that farmers adopted best practices to maximise their yield. Ahsan Shahid Sarkar, Deputy Director of the District Agricultural Extension Department, highlighted the positive impact of government incentives on mustard cultivation. “Small and marginal farmers received free fertiliser and seeds, and the agriculture department provided guidance throughout the process. Due to favourable weather conditions and this support, we have seen a bumper mustard harvest,” he said. Future Prospects Farmers are particularly pleased with the financial benefits of this year’s mustard cultivation. The cost of production remained low, while profits soared due to the high market prices. Many farmers plan to use their earnings to cover Eid expenses and reinvest in their farms for the next planting season. Naogaon farmers make a fortune on mustard and honey With mustard cultivation increasing year on year, Sirajganj continues to solidify its position as a key mustard-producing district in Bangladesh. As long as government support and favourable weather conditions persist, local farmers remain optimistic about the future of mustard farming in the region.

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday urged the interim government to take pragmatic steps as a priority to control the rising prices of essential goods to ease the financial strain on the people. Addressing a discussion programme virtually, he also urged the government to prioritise the elimination of the market syndicate that was established during the previous regime. “People from all walks of life, particularly those in low-income groups and small businesses, are enduring significant hardships due to the unusual price hikes in essential items,” the BNP leader said. Asif Nazrul seeks apology to people for price hike of essentials He said that mere sweet words will not suffice while people remain half-fed. “I call upon the interim government to take pragmatic steps immediately as a priority to lower commodity prices and provide relief to the public,” Tarique said. He lamented that commodity prices have surpassed the purchasing power of the ordinary people. “While it may be challenging to dismantle the business syndicate established during the previous regime, it is not impossible with genuine will and appropriate interventions,” the BNP leader said. The Ziaur Rahman Foundation organised the programme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, to mark its silver jubilee. Tarique warned that associates of the deposed despotic regime are still conspiring to create difficulties for the government and undermine its success. Yunus-led interim govt may induct some new faces this month: Sources The BNP leader also noted that the government's disarray has become evident and it has failed to establish a clear priority agenda. He said the conflicting statements from various government advisers regarding the next election have caused confusion among the public. Ziaur Rahman Foundation adviser Dr Zubaida Rahman also addressed the programme virtually, extending her greetings to the members on the occasion of its silver jubilee. She wished the foundation continued success and urged its members to work towards the betterment of humanity. “I hope the Ziaur Rahman Foundation will set a benchmark for serving humanity,” said Zubaida, who is also the wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.