Photo : Messenger
Bogura is witnessing a significant uptick in mustard cultivation, in response to the escalating prices of oil in the market. Across 12 upazilas in Bogura, farmers are increasingly turning to mustard cultivation due to its cost-effectiveness and shorter cultivation time.
The adoption of improved mustard varieties has proven advantageous for farmers, resulting in a substantial increase in mustard cultivation compared to previous years.
Farmers are showing a keen interest in cultivating high-yielding varieties such as Bari-14, Bari-15, Bari-17, Bari-9, Bina-11, and Tori-7, surpassing the traditional desi mustard. Many farmers are seamlessly transitioning from harvesting Aman paddy to mustard cultivation on the same land, followed by subsequent boro rice planting, effectively yielding three crops annually from the same plot.
Field observations reveal flourishing mustard plants, with farmers anticipating a yield of 6-7 maunds per bigha of land this season. The Nandigram Upazila Agricultural Extension Directorate has set a target of 7,500 hectares for mustard cultivation this year, surpassing last year's target of 6,000 hectares. Optimism surrounds the hope of surpassing this year's goal, with both farmers and the Agriculture Department anticipating a bumper mustard yield.
Sushant Kumar, a farmer from Sadar Union, shared, "This year, we have expanded our mustard cultivation to 80 bigha of land, earning Tk 10,000 per bigha. The cultivation cost on Pratibigha land is a maximum of Tk 3,000, and with mustard selling at Tk 3,000 to 3.5 thousand per maund, the profit margins are attractive, making mustard cultivation a lucrative venture in terms of both time and cost."
Rezadal Haque Reza, a mustard farmer from Gabtali Upazila, Jamirbaria, expressed, "The lower cultivation cost and favorable prices from the previous year have motivated me to cultivate more land this season, anticipating a good return."
Abdul Mannan of Palsha area in Bogura Sadar Upazila highlighted the health benefits of mustard cultivation, stating, "Mustard cultivation is disease-resistant, eliminating the need for pesticides. With only one urea fertilizer required, the overall cultivation cost remains low, making it an attractive option for farmers."
Gaziul Haque, the Agriculture Officer of Nandigram Upazila, emphasized the profitability of mustard cultivation in less time, noting government incentives and support for farmers. Sohel Md. Shamsuddin Feroz, Deputy Director of the regional office of Bogura Agricultural Extension Department, disclosed an ambitious target of 53,820 hectares of land for mustard cultivation in Bogura district this year, aiming for a production target of 86,612 metric tons. With 41,111 hectares already cultivated, a substantial increase in mustard cultivation is anticipated, provided there are no weather-related setbacks.
Messenger/Alamgir/Shahin
