The local administration in Naogaon district has announced an ambitious goal to achieve Tk 2500 crore in mango sales, as the region prepares for the upcoming harvesting season. The diverse range of mango varieties grown here, including the early Guti mango set to be harvested from May 22, positions Naogaon as a significant player in the agricultural sector. Officials from the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) have provided a detailed schedule for the harvest: Gopalbhog mangoes from May 30, Khirsapati or Himsagar from June 2, Nag Fazli from June 5, Langra and Haribhanga from June 10, Amrapali from June 20, Fazli from June 25, and later varieties like Aswina, Bari Mango-4, Gourmoti, and Katimon from July 10. This year's cultivation covers 33,300 hectares, aiming for a production of 431,500 tonnes of mango. The district is known for its rich diversity in mango varieties, with farmers cultivating 16 different types. Local mango growers are optimistic about the market prospects despite the challenges posed by weather conditions, including a costly drought. Mango harvesting in Natore to begin on May 25 Sohel Rana, who owns Agro Park in Sapahar upazila, has invested in 75 bighas of land dedicated to mango cultivation. He emphasizes the adherence to advanced agricultural practices to ensure quality produce. Another local farmer, Nur from Islampur village, shared that while initial costs range from Tk 30,000 to 35,000 per bigha, drought conditions have pushed costs up by an additional Tk 4,000 to 5,000 this season. Despite lower yields, high market prices could still ensure profitability for growers. Abul Kalam Azad, Deputy Director of DAE in the district, highlighted the export potential, noting that approximately 220 metric tonnes of mango were exported last year. This year, the district has set a target to export 500 tonnes. Azad remains hopeful about reaching the sales target of Tk 2500 crore, provided the weather conditions are favorable, which will play a crucial role in achieving these ambitious goals. As the harvesting season approaches, the market is poised to be flooded with a variety of mangoes from Naogaon, promising both local consumption and significant export opportunities. Mangoes dropping early in Rajshahi amid intense heat; growers, traders worried

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

The mustard farmers of Jashore district are anticipating a record production and significant profits this year, thanks to favorable weather conditions and enhanced government support. The Jashore Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) revealed that the area under mustard cultivation surpassed the initial target of 29,900 hectares, reaching 30,265 hectares. This increase is a part of the government’s initiative to reduce edible oil imports, as highlighted by DAE sources. Election 2024: Crude bomb blast at Jashore polling centre injures 1 A visit to Churamonkathi village in Sadar upazila showcased vast fields adorned with vibrant mustard flowers. The farmers have adopted Bari-9 and Bari-14 mustard varieties, with the government providing each farmer with one kg of seeds and 20 kg of fertilizers per bigha of land to encourage cultivation. Jabed Ali, a farmer from Kulia village in Jhikargacha upazila, shared his optimism: “Compared to other crops like paddy, mustard cultivation is less expensive and more profitable. That’s why many of us have chosen to cultivate mustard.” 7 crude bombs explode in 2 polling centres in Jashore The farmers are optimistic about the harvest, which is expected to begin within the next 20-25 days. “If the weather remains favorable, we anticipate a bumper yield,” Ali added. Zahidur Rahman, another farmer from Keshabpur upazila, echoed this sentiment: “Last year, I harvested five maunds of mustard. With the current conditions, I expect an even greater yield this year.” Dr. Sushanta Kumar Tarafdar, Deputy Director of DAE, underscored the government’s commitment to reducing edible oil imports. “By increasing the cultivation of Robi season crops like mustard, we aim to achieve this goal. This year, Jashore has seen a record yield,” he stated. National Polls: 275 polling stations out of 825 are vulnerable in Jashore The government provided seeds and fertilizers to 37,800 farmers across the district, including those in Abhaynagar upazila, where mustard cultivation covered 2,110 hectares. The concerted efforts of the farmers, favorable weather, and government support have combined to set the stage for a highly successful mustard harvest in Jashore, marking a significant stride in Bangladesh’s agricultural sector.

Farmers in Narail district are seeing profits multiplied up to six times by growing off-season watermelons in Kalia upazila, thanks to the local agricultural department officials for introducing hybrid variants of watermelons in the area. Normally, February to April is the season of the mouth-watering summer fruit but officials of the local Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) introduced hybrid variants in Kalia upazila during monsoon. A total of eight hectares of land in Kalia upazila are being used to grow the off-season watermelons, with a target to produce 15 tonnes of the fruit per hectare. The DAE officials provided fertilizers, seeds and cash to the farmers and with their help, watermelons are being cultivated along the bank of the fish enclosures and waterbodies in Gobindanagar, Salamabad, and Bhaktadanga areas. On a remote char in country's poorest district, watermelon cultivation transforms lives Farmers are growing Asian-2, Tripti and Black Baby hybrid variants of watermelon. These variants taste sweet and delicious, they say. Farmers say they spent Tk 15,000-20,000 per hectare and sold watermelons worth Tk 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh per hectare. Sheikh Kamal Hossain, a resident of Bhaurir Char in the upazila and assistant professor at Nabadanga Degree College, said, “I took training from Dumuria upazila of Khulna district and after that, I have planted 1000 saplings of watermelon on seven acres of land along the fish enclosures on an experimental basis last year. I have earned Tk 2 lakh from this.” This year, he planted 2000 saplings on the same land after spending Tk 70,000. He expects to earn Tk 4 lakh from watermelon production this year. Rain, hailstorm worry Khulna watermelon growers Pradeep Kumar Barman, councilor of ward-6 under Kalia municipality, said this year he planted 12,000 saplings along the bank of 150 bigha of fish enclosures during monsoon. “So far I have spent Tk 10 lakh. Within 35 days, flowers started to bloom and I started harvesting watermelon within 60-65 days of planting. Each watermelon weighs almost 4 kg.” He also expected to produce 2 lakh kgs of watermelon this year and if the market prices remain favorable, he could be able to earn Tk 40 lakh. Low price dims the joy of watermelon growers in Khulna despite bumper harvest Depak Kumar Roy, deputy director of Narail DAE, said the farmers are earning profits up to six times considering their expenditure, within 60-65 days of cultivation. “We are providing all-out support through using smart technology and providing fertilizer and pesticides for good production of watermelon.” Eva Mallik, Kalia Upazila Agriculture Officer, said “Watermelon is no longer a seasonal fruit now, and it can be produced throughout the year. Flowers start to bloom within 40-50 days of planting saplings and 70-80 days are needed for harvesting.” Most of the farmers in the district are showing interest in cultivating the off-season hybrid watermelon on their lands as it has proven to be profitable, he said. Read more: Bangladesh can go for Chinese perennial rice farming to reduce cost and labour

Mango harvest in Natore district began today (May 20, 2023) with the Gopalbhog variety. Deputy Commissioner Abu Naser Bhuiya inaugurated the harvest officially by plucking mangoes from an orchard at Kola Chapila in Gurudaspur upazila of the district. Read more: 5 Mouth-watering Mango Pickle Recipes to Cherish This Summer Deputy Director of the district’s Department of Agriculture Extension Abul Wadud, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sraboni Roy and owners of mango orchards were present on the occasion. This year, the government has set a target to produce mangoes worth Tk 750 core from 13,280 orchards in Natore district. Read more: Bumper production of mango: Chapainawabganj farmers are all smiles

Farmers are all smiles thanks to the bumper production of mango in Chapainawabganj district. Mango is the main cash crop in Chapainawabganj, and this year the price of mango seems profitable in the local market. The mango farmers are busy nurturing their orchards in the district. After meeting local demand, a huge quantity of different varieties of mangoes are being supplied to other parts of the country. Also read: Mango harvesting in Rajshahi begins Thursday According to the district’s Department of Agriculture Extension, there are 37,588 hectares of mango orchards and the government has set a target to produce 4,40,956 metric tonnes of mango this year. Production of mango this year has exceeded that in the previous years. Last year, 3.25 lakh metric tonnes of mango were produced in the district. This correspondent spoke to some mango farmers. They said, due to the hot temperatures and inadequate rain, the average size of mangoes are a tad small, but ripe, juicy mangoes will start flooding the local markets within next week.

Boro farmers in Chapainawabganj district are expecting bumper yield this season as cultivation has exceeded the target and weather remained favourable so far. According to the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), a total of 51,555 hectares of land have been brought under boro cultivation as the farmers are showing more interest in its cultivation . This year, the DAE has set a target to cultivate boro paddy on 51,150 hectares of land but the farmers cultivated 51,555 hectares exceeding the target, said deputy director of DAE, Palash Sarkar. They also expect to produce 2,35,606 metric tonnes of boro paddy this year, if the weather remains favorable and no crisis is created over fertilizer, pesticides and seed , he said. Also read: Food Minister for increasing zinc-enriched paddy cultivation During a recent visit to different parts of the district, this correspondent found that the farmers are passing busy time nurturing their green fields through irrigation, spraying pesticides and using fertilizers. Farmers are cultivating Ufsi and Hybrid varieties of paddy in their field as it is more profitable than the other varieties. Manjur Ali, a farmer in Sadar upazila said “I have bought eight bighas of land under boro cultivation. I did not face any shortage of seeds and fertilizers this year but the price of pesticides has shot up.” Akbar Ali, another boro grower, said “I have made a good profit after selling Aman paddy and no I have brought seven bighas of land under boro cultivation and there was no difficulty in irrigation due to uninterrupted power supply.” Abed Ali, another farmer in Dakkhinshohor area, said he has brought two bighas of land under Boro cultivation and the paddy plants are in good position. Besides, there is no attack of insects till now which created hope among them about getting bumper production of paddy.  

Mustard growers in Kurigram district are expecting a bumper yield as they cultivated more land exceeding the target due to low production cost and favourable weather. Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), Kurigram officials said prices of soybean and palm oil have risen sharply in the last two years and increased mustard cultivation can be a solution to edible oil crisis. Read more: Floating vegetable farmers in Pirojpur devastated by low prices During a recent visit to the mustard fields in the district, the UNB correspondent found that a vast tracts of barren land have been brought under mustard cultivation . DAE sources said, this year, a total of 16,400 hectares of land have been brought under mustard cultivation while it was 12,900 hectares last year. Within two months of cultivation, mustard got matured for harvesting and the farmers have to spend Tk 4000-5000 per bigha of land. Usually 5000-6000 mounds of mustard are produced from one bigha of land. Farmers said after harvest of Aman paddy the land remain uncultivated for 3/5 months and they cultivate mustard to utilise the land during the period. They will cultivate Boro paddy after yield of mustard. Read more: BPC opens control room to monitor smooth supply of diesel farmers for irrigation Deldar Hossain, a farmer of Uttar Nauabas in Pachgachi of Sadar upazila, said “Whatever I cultivate in this char land is often damaged by flood. So, I cultivated mustard after facing losses from Aman cultivation. I am happy now expecting a bumper mustard yield.” Babul, another farmer of the area said “The lands of the area have remain under water for 3-4 months in a year and when farmers cultivate Aman they count a huge loss. The weather of the area is good for Boro and mustard cultivation. I have brought three bighas of land under mustard cultivation as I can earn some profit from it if weather remains favourable.” Biplab Kumar Mohonta, deputy director of Kurigram DAE, said, “We are working to increase mustard production as mustard oil production is poor against the demand of the country. We have set a target to produce 50 percent edible oil in our country within several years.”

The government has opened a control room to monitor the fertilizer situation of the country, according to the Agriculture Ministry. The control room will be kept open from 8am to 11 pm with the coordination of the officials of Agriculture Ministry and the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), said a handout of the ministry. People have been asked to contact the control room in need which comes into effect from today. The ministry also disclosed the cell phone numbers of Deputy Chief of the Ministry Badiul Alam—01713593487, Research official M Nurunnabi—01716462277, deputy director of DAE (fertilizer) Aminul Islam-01724245354 and additional deputy director Khandaker Rashed Iftekhar-01814947054. According to the ministry, plenty of fertilizer was stock at the silos against the country’s demand. Also read: Any role in artificial fertilizer crisis There are 6.56lakh mts of urea fertilizer, 3.94 lakh tonnes of TSP fertilizer, 8.23 lakh tonnes of DAP fertilizer in stock, it said. Besides, there is a demand of 6.19 lakh of urea, 1.19 lakh tonnes of TSP, 2.25 lakh tonnes of DAP and 1.37 lakh tonnes of MoP fertilizer during the Aman season.

Farmers in Thakurgaon district are expecting a bumper harvest of mustard beyond their expectations this year, thanks to the favourable weather. Mustard has been cultivated in a vast tract of Ranishankoil upazila of the district this season and landscape here has already turned yellow raising hopes among the farmers.   Officials at the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) say they hope the mustard cultivators will make better profit this year due to the favourable weather. Besides, there is no report of major pest attack, which increases the hope of high harvest. Mustard is a cool-weather crop and is grown from seeds sown in early spring. Farmers cultivate mustard from mid-December to end of January and the bright yellow mustard flowers are now in full bloom everywhere. During a recent visit to Lehemba, Birashi, Ratore, Nandua, Bharnia and Dharmagarh villages in Ranishankoil upazila of the district, this UNB correspondent found that a vast track of  lands has been brought under the mustard cultivation and field after field in the upazila are now full of yellow flowers, making people cheerful in the dry season. Also read: Faridpur flood: Over 2000ha cropland submerged for nearly four weeks