NAGESHWARI, KURIGRAM, Feb 8: Vast mustard fields in Nageshwari Upazila have turned golden, creating a breathtaking landscape that draws admiration from locals and visitors alike. The sweet aroma of blooming mustard flowers fills the air, attracting people of all ages to the fields every afternoon.
Field visits to various unions-including Neowashi, Santoshpur, Berubari, Bhitorband, and Hasnabad-show extensive cultivation of mustard, with certain areas seeing particularly high concentrations. Farmers have planted mustard over large tracts of land, producing a vibrant yellow carpet across the fields. Bees, drawn to the blooms, can be seen taking shelter on nearby trees and house ledges, collecting nectar and assisting in pollination throughout the day. Visitors often come in groups to enjoy and photograph the scenic view.
For farmers and the agriculture department, mustard is a crop of hope. Its short life cycle of just 87 days makes it an efficient option compared to other crops, requiring less time and investment. Many farmers plant mustard immediately after harvesting Aman rice, allowing timely irrigation for Boro rice. This enables up to three crops per year on the same land.
Recent development of new mustard varieties has increased productivity, while government support through seed and fertilizer incentives further boosts output. With high yields, low cultivation costs, and good market prices, mustard cultivation is becoming increasingly popular.
The upazila agriculture office reports that this year's target is 5,300 hectares, with 3,100 farmers receiving government incentives. Both local and high-yield varieties, including BARI and BINA, are being cultivated. Last year, mustard was grown on 4,350 hectares, highlighting the crop's rising popularity. Favorable weather and proper care have improved prospects for a strong harvest, offering the potential to reduce dependence on imported edible oils.
Farmers across the upazila-including Azizur Rahman (Magurmura Para, Neowashi), Mofizul Islam (Shingjhar), Selim and Ataur Rahman (Darar Para), Shamsul Haque and Shahidul Islam (Nadar Para, Hasnabad), and Mofizul Islam (Char Berubari)-said mustard fields are in excellent condition and anticipate a good yield. With proper prices, they expect significant profits beyond production costs.
Assistant Agriculture Officer Mostafizur Rahman of Gobardhan Kuti Block noted that farmers are being encouraged to grow mustard during the mid-season between Boro and Aman crops, increasing cultivation. Upazila Agriculture Officer Shahriar Hossain added that compared to last year, mustard cultivation has expanded by 960 hectares, and farmers are being guided to maximize yield through coordinated support and advisory services.
The golden mustard fields of Nageshwari are thus not only a visual delight but also a source of livelihood and optimism for local farmers.
