Farmers' dream of bouncing back in Aman cultivation in the northern region
BSS photo.
Due to favorable weather and adequate rainfall, farmers in the northern region are dreaming of bouncing back in Aman cultivation this season. In line with this, they are spending busy times in the fields cultivating Aman paddy. Amidst the mud and water, a massive effort is underway, from seedbeds to the crop fields.
Nature and human labor together are writing a story of potential in Aman cultivation in the northern region. During the Aman season, farmers often have to worry about transplanting seedlings due to untimely rains.
However, this time, due to favorable weather and sufficient rainfall, farmers in the north are relieved. They are collecting seedlings from seedbeds and transplanting them in rows.
The agricultural department says that if the weather remains favorable, farmers will not only meet the target but also achieve good yields and profits.
According to sources from the Rangpur Agricultural Extension Directorate, the target for transplanted Aman cultivation this season in the 8 districts of Rangpur is 663,714 hectares. The production target has been set at 2,633,000 metric tons of paddy.
Transplanting of paddy seedlings has already been completed on most of the land. The remaining fields will have their Aman seedlings transplanted within the next 10-15 days.
On the ground, farmers—both men and women—are seen working in the fields with tractors and power tillers. Some are repairing the field ridges with spades, while others are leveling the land with wooden planks. Many farmers are uprooting seedlings from seedbeds. They are transplanting seedlings in the fields in organized rows. Others, with towels tied around their heads, are seen fertilizing the land in a timeless tradition. Thus, the vast crop fields are bustling with various activities. The fields, where the farmers' sweat mingles with mud and water to soak the seedbeds, will soon be filled with golden paddy panicles. That golden color will become a symbol of the farmers' smiles, dreams, and success.
During a conversation, Nazrul Islam, a farmer from the Teesta area, said that this time he has cultivated Aman paddy on 2 bighas of leased land. However, he is worried about getting a lower price for his paddy compared to the production costs.
He said, "There isn't much profit in paddy cultivation considering the back-breaking labor and expenses. Rather, the rate of loss is higher. Still, as there is no other work in this area, I have been making a living through farming for almost 50 years."
Abdul Bari, a farmer from Rangpur Sadar area, said he has cultivated Aman paddy on 5 bighas of land this season. Nature has been quite supportive this season. He faced no difficulties in farming due to adequate rainwater and didn't have to incur irrigation costs. Expenses have also been lower than before. If everything goes well, the yield should be quite good.
Nasir Uddin, a farmer from Ranipukur area in Mithapukur, said he received a fair price for the previous Boro paddy. This time, with that hope, he has started cultivating Aman paddy on 5 bighas of land. He expects to finish transplanting seedlings on all his land within the next 2-3 days.
Md. Sirajul Islam, Additional Director of the Rangpur Agricultural Extension Directorate, told BSS that the northern farmers are interested in transplanted Aman paddy cultivation. If the weather remains favorable, he hopes the transplanted Aman cultivation will be completed properly.
He added that this time, they expect cultivation of transplanted Aman paddy on more land than the target. Agricultural officers are deployed to provide various advice and any other services to the marginal farmers.
