Mustard production thriving as edible oil prices surge

Marginal farmers in Chakaria upazila of Cox’s Bazar are finding success and satisfaction in mustard production. 
The surge in edible oil prices in the market has led to increased demand for mustard cultivation, providing financial benefits to these farmers. 

The Upazila Agriculture Extension Department reports that marginal farmers are annually benefiting from converting their three-crop lands into four-crop lands through mustard cultivation.

In Chakaria, marginal farmers have targeted mustard production on 250 hectares of land. The agriculture department has played a role by providing seeds, fertilizers, and valuable advice to farmers as government incentives, but many farmers have also taken the initiative on their own.

Rajeev Dey, Deputy Assistant Officer of Chakaria Agriculture Department, explained that the land, which typically produces three crops including Aush, Aman, and Boro, remains fallow for approximately 70 to 80 days before starting boro cultivation. Mustard production becomes a viable option, utilizing both cultivated and uncultivated lands. The cost of mustard production per acre is Tk 36,725, and after deducting expenses, the net profit for the farmer exceeds Tk 20,000. This favorable equation has attracted more marginal farmers to mustard cultivation.

Nur Uddin, a farmer from Kakara Union in Chakaria, shared his experience, stating that after planting three crops on two acres of land, he ventured into mustard cultivation, costing about Tk 10,000. Encouraged by the good current market prices for mustard, he expanded his mustard cultivation on the same land. Farmers like Nur Uddin have received free seeds and fertilizers as incentives from the Agriculture Department, further motivating them to participate in mustard cultivation.

Chakaria Upazila Agriculture Officer SM Nasim Hossain highlighted the success in achieving the mustard cultivation target. Farmers have cultivated improved mustard varieties such as Bari Sarisha-14, Bari Sarisha-11, and Bina Sarisha-9. Incentives in the form of fertilizers, seeds, and cash have been provided to encourage mustard cultivation, ensuring good profits for marginal farmers.

Deputy Director of the District Agriculture Extension Department Mo Kabir Hesen emphasized that the government incentives were introduced to encourage marginal farmers to utilize the fallow period of about 80 days after Aman crop harvesting for mustard cultivation. The increasing use of mustard oil has led to a favorable market price, motivating marginal farmers to cultivate mustard and achieve good profits, provided the market situation remains stable.