photo: Messenger
The vast fields of Khulna's Paikgacha are now adorned with the golden glow of mustard flowers. The colorful dreams of farmers sway gently on the mustard plants. On dewy winter mornings, the golden mustard flowers shimmer in the sunlight, as if nature has adorned itself with a marvelous new attire.
The cool breeze of the winter month of Poush makes the yellow mustard flowers dance, spreading their sweet fragrance all around. Every field in Paikgacha seems wrapped in a yellow blanket. Witnessing this scene feels like observing an extraordinary masterpiece crafted by nature itself.
Rafiqul Islam Gazi, a farmer from Chandkhali Union, shared that mustard is a cost-effective and highly profitable crop. It grows well in a short period and is relatively easy to cultivate. Encouraged by the good price of mustard last year, he has cultivated mustard on more land this year.
In field visits, farmers such as Robiul Gazi, Barik Morol, Dhiman Mallik, Samir Kumar, Mihir Mondal, and Sabur Gazi from various unions mentioned that improved varieties of mustard yield better harvests compared to local ones. Mustard cultivation has increased this year, and they are hopeful that the market will remain favorable. Many have expanded their cultivation area compared to last year. They believe that with favorable weather, they can achieve a good harvest. Additionally, they pointed out that mustard requires less water and fertilizer, and its leaves serve as excellent organic manure. Each bigha of land typically produces 4-5 maunds of mustard. The cultivation of mustard is steadily increasing across the upzila.
Upzila Agriculture Officer Md. Ikramul Hossain stated that mustard has been cultivated on 325 hectares of land in Paikgacha this season. Free seed distribution by the government has encouraged farmers to take up mustard farming. He expressed optimism that if the weather remains favorable, production will exceed the target.
Overall, the yellow mustard flowers are not just the embodiment of farmers' dreams; they also showcase the unique biodiversity of nature, bringing an unparalleled sense of joy to cold winter mornings.
Messenger/Sabuj/Tushar
