Photo : Messenger
In Chakaria upazila of Cox's Bazar, farmers are rejoicing over a successful Boro harvest season, with vast fields yielding as expected despite initial cultivation delays. This season, the target for Boro cultivation encompassed 17,670 hectares of land across 18 unions and municipalities within the upazila. Thanks to favorable natural conditions, timely application of fertilizers and pesticides, and meticulous care by farmers, Boro crops have flourished, painting smiles on the faces of agriculturalists.
Presently, the landscape is adorned with the golden hues of ripe rice, a sight accentuated by the radiant Baisakh sun. Villages resonate with the aroma of freshly harvested rice, and Nabanna attire adorns the streets. Farmers are diligently engaged in the age-old tradition of harvesting paddy from dawn till dusk amid the sweltering heat. Across rural areas, families are bustling with activities like threshing, sorting, and drying rice.
Despite initial concerns regarding water shortages, timely interventions such as the expansion of rubber dams and water retention measures, coupled with conducive environmental factors, have led to a bountiful rice harvest. However, while the yield is promising, some farmers express discontent, citing production costs that outweigh current returns.
Rajeev Dey, Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer (Development Branch) of Chakaria Upazila Agriculture Department (UAD), reports that this season witnessed the cultivation of 12,070 hectares of Upshi varieties and 5,600 hectares of hybrid rice varieties. Noteworthy varieties include Bri-Dhan, SLATE Eight, Dhani Gold, and ACI, cultivated primarily due to the adoption of organic techniques, balanced fertilization, and modern high-yield varieties.
Md Mohiuddin, Officer of Plant Conservation at the Chakaria UAD, highlights the department's efforts to guide farmers in crop protection against pests and insects. Marginal farmers have embraced techniques like Urea and LCC systems, endorsed by the Agriculture Department, to enhance yields.
S M Nasim Hossain, Chakaria Upazila Agriculture Officer, assures that despite challenges like freshwater scarcity, farmers have triumphed in Boro farming. Approximately 10,000 hectares of land have already witnessed successful paddy harvesting, with expectations of completing the remainder within the coming weeks.
As the season progresses, the success story of Boro cultivation in Chakaria stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of local farmers, promising not only abundant yields but also economic prosperity for the community.
Messenger/Fameema
