Noakhali farmers optimistic of exceeding Boro production target

Farmers across nine upazilas of Noakhali district are engaged in intensive Boro rice cultivation this season, with a target to produce of 4,94,755 metric tons from 1,40,095 hectares of land.

As of January 11, cultivation has been completed on 60,960 hectares, with officials expressing optimism about exceeding the production targets.

If the weather remains favourable, there is a strong possibility of exceeding the production target, according to Ashish Kumar Kar, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Noakhali.

The cultivated area includes 87,840 hectares of Hybrid varieties and 16,255 hectares of High-Yielding Varieties (HYV/Ufsi) across Chatkhil, Sonaimuri, Senbagh, Begumganj, Companiganj, Kabirhat, Sadar, Subarnachar, and Hatiya upazilas, the DAE official said.

Farmers in Kabirhat, Sadar, Subarnachar, and Hatiya upazilas are passing busy times with Boro cultivation. From the crack of dawn until dusk, braving the biting cold of the winter months, farmers are preoccupied with land preparation, applying fertiliser, and planting seedlings.

Encouraged by last year's favourable market prices, farmers are expanding cultivation despite rising costs. Abdur Rahim from South Shaktala village in Sonaimuri upazila said, "Last year, I got 60 maunds of rice from 90 decimals of land and received a good price. Therefore, I have started cultivation on 100 decimals this year."

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Sudhir Chandra Das, 60, from Amishapara Union, who cultivated 70 decimals last year and sold 40 maunds at Tk 1,200 BDT per maund, is now cultivating 100 decimals but expressed concern about covering costs due to high fertiliser and labour prices. He noted that daily labour wages have reached Tk 800 for seven hours of work, including meals and snacks.

However, farmers face significant challenges with input costs.

Nur Mohammad, 50, from Sunderpur in Chatkhil Municipality, cultivating three acres, complained of severe labour shortages and abnormal increases in fuel, fertiliser, and labour costs.

He alleged that fertiliser is being sold above government-fixed rates: Urea at Tk 30-32 per kg instead of Tk 27, TSP at Tk 35 instead of Tk 27, and MOP at Tk 25 instead of Tk 20, with inadequate monitoring from authorities.

A retail fertiliser seller from Badalkot union, who requested anonymity, alleged that dealers sell fertiliser at higher prices without providing receipts, leaving retailers with no option but to charge farmers more.

DAE Deputy Director Ashish Kumar confirmed that Boro cultivation will continue until February 15. He maintained there is sufficient fertiliser supply and promised action if specific complaints are received, adding that raids have been conducted and fines imposed on dealers selling at inflated prices.

Noakhali Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Shafiqul Islam said the district has adequate fertiliser stock and assured that, despite receiving no formal complaints yet, the matter would be investigated and necessary action taken.