United News of Bangladesh

Vast stretches of mustard fields across Sirajganj have burst into radiant shades of yellow, turning the district into a rolling sea of gold and offering a visual feast that is delighting visitors and farmers alike. From late afternoon until dusk, the flowering fields have become a magnet for people of all ages. Youths, women and men are seen wandering through the blossoms, pausing to admire the view, capturing selfies against the glowing backdrop of nature’s seasonal spectacle. The golden transformation is most striking in Tarash, Raiganj, Ullapara and the char areas—long known as the district’s ‘granary’—where mustard flowers sway gently in the winter breeze, painting the countryside with warmth and colour. Read more: Golden Harvest: Sirajganj farmers reap bumper mustard crop According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), a cultivation target of 87,125 hectares was set for mustard farming across Sirajganj’s nine upazilas this season. Farmers, however, have gone beyond expectations, bringing even more land under cultivation and raising hopes of a bumper harvest. Mustard farming has expanded notably in the Chalan Beel areas, particularly in Tarash, Raiganj, Ullapara and Shahjadpur upazilas. Significant cultivation has also been recorded in Kamarkhanda, Kazipur, Belkuchi and Sirajganj Sadar upazilas, reflecting a district-wide surge in production. Among the commonly cultivated varieties are Tori-7, BARI-14, Beena-9 and Beena-14. In the char areas, farmers have opted for the uric acid-free Kalania variety, well-suited to the region’s soil and conditions. Read more: Chapainawabganj farmer sparks local excitement with amazing Chinese orange harvest Local farmers said government incentives have played a crucial role in encouraging cultivation. Seeds and fertilisers were distributed at fixed rates, while agricultural officers provided regular guidance and technical advice to ensure better yields. With favourable weather prevailing, farmers remain optimistic about achieving a bumper output this season. Adding to the vibrancy of the fields, honey collectors from different areas have already installed bee boxes among the mustard crops. Harvesting of mustard flower honey has begun, and collectors expect production to surpass last year’s levels due to the increased acreage under cultivation. Deputy Director of the DAE, AKM Manjur-e-Maula, said farmers had brought more land under mustard cultivation this year compared to the previous season. “We distributed free seeds and fertilisers among small and marginal farmers and provided necessary advice. If the weather remains favourable, there is a strong possibility of a bumper mustard harvest this season,” he said. As Sirajganj’s fields glow under winter skies, the mustard bloom stands not only as a scenic delight but also as a symbol of agricultural promise and rural resilience. Read more: Khulna farmers reap rewards from mustard cultivation, honey production

Farmers in Koyra upazila of Khulna are increasingly embracing mustard cultivation, driven by its promising financial benefits. The area dedicated to mustard fields has been steadily expanding each year, with farmers reaping dual rewards from the crop—the mustard yield itself and the honey produced from the flowers, officials said.  This year, mustard fields spanning across Amadi, Bagali, Meheshripur, Moharajpur, Koyra Sadar, Uttar and Dakshin Bedakashi villages have turned into vibrant yellow landscapes, attracting not only farmers but also nature enthusiasts seeking beauty in the countryside. Naogaon farmers make a fortune on mustard and honey According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, mustard cultivation has been carried out on 210 hectares of land this season, with 200 farmers receiving government incentives. Each farmer was provided with 10 kilograms of DAP, 10 kilograms of MOP, and one kilogram of mustard seeds to aid their efforts. Farmers' Optimism Nazrul Islam, a farmer from Kalna village, expanded his mustard cultivation by an additional two bighas this year, bringing the total to seven bighas. “Last year’s bumper yield inspired me to increase the cultivated area,” he shared, adding that he is hopeful for another successful harvest. Similarly, young farmer Ashrafuzzam Liton from Balidanga village planted mustard for the first time this season, following guidance from the upazila agriculture office. “If no natural disaster strikes, we can expect a bumper yield,” he expressed confidently. Meanwhile, Mohar Ali Ghain from Bedkashi village cultivated mustard on two bighas of land at minimal cost, expecting a substantial crop this year. Overcoming Challenges Md Abdullah Al Mamun, the Upazila Agriculture Officer, highlighted the significant potential for mustard and sunflower cultivation in Koyra. Flowers worth Tk 100 crore expected to be sold in Jashore this season Despite excessive rainfall delaying the Aman paddy harvest and slightly reducing the area for mustard cultivation, farmers adapted quickly. By following the advice of the Agriculture Extension Department, they managed to plant mustard on fallow land, mitigating potential losses. Role of Mustard in Bangladesh Mustard is a vital oilseed crop in Bangladesh, cultivated extensively across the country. In the 2021-2022 fiscal year, Bangladesh produced 409,659 metric tonnes of mustard. The Ministry of Agriculture has set an ambitious target to expand mustard cultivation to 2.3 million hectares by 2024-2025. The crop holds both economic and nutritional significance. Mustard is a high-energy food, rich in fat-soluble vitamins. As temperatures in Bangladesh rise from February, the crop must be harvested by mid-February to ensure optimal yield. Innovative Mustard Varieties One promising variety is Binasarisha-8, known for its shorter height, black seed coat, and resistance to Alternaria blight disease. This variety can yield up to 2.4 tonnes of seeds per hectare, offering farmers a reliable and productive option. Sunamganj farmers struggling to cultivate Boro due to badly-planned road A Bright Future The growing enthusiasm for mustard farming in Koyra, combined with supportive measures from the government and agriculture offices, paints an optimistic picture for the future of this vital crop. With a continued focus on innovation, sustainable farming practices, and market access, mustard cultivation is set to thrive as a key contributor to Bangladesh’s agricultural landscape.  

The government of Bangladesh is likely to save Tk 10,000 crore annually from importing oil in the next three years as a revolution is taking place in mustard cultivation, said Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque on Sunday (January 08, 2023). “The government has to import 90 percent edible oil from abroad to meet the demand for edible oil. As a result, it has to spend Tk 25,000 crore in a year. In such situation, the government has taken a roadmap to reduce import dependency by producing 50 percent of the demand in the country,” he said. Read: 5% cut in VAT on imported edible oil extended till April 30 Razzaque came up with the information, while talking to reporters after a views-exchange meeting with farmers at Kalaroa upazila in Satkhira district. Honey cultivation has also been increased in the country, he added. On the other hand, the farmers are benefitting by cultivating mustard in their Aman, Boro and barren lands, said the minister. Read: 50 percent edible oil to be produced in country by next 3 years: Agri Minister He also assured people of providing necessary support to ensure fair prices to the mustard growers. Talking about BNP’s movement, Razzaque said “People have no connection with BNP’s movement and BNP cannot topple the government through movement, so there will be no difference to their movement.” Referring to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the minister said ACC is doing its work independently and the government has no control over it. “ACC has established the rule of law by taking action against corruption. So BNP is misguiding people by saying ACC is suppression commission." Read More: TCB to procure 1.65 cr litres of edible oil from local suppliers again.

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