GURUDASPUR, NATORE, Feb 20: Vast stretches of the Chalan Beel wetland have turned into a sea of yellow as mustard cultivation expands rapidly across the region, offering farmers a promising alternative amid rising production costs and import dependence on edible oil.
Under the gentle winter sun, blooming mustard flowers now cover the fields of Chalan Beel, symbolising renewed optimism for farmers seeking profitable and low-cost crops. With soybean and other oilseed cultivation facing high costs and market uncertainties, many farmers in the region are increasingly turning to mustard due to its shorter growing period, lower production cost, and growing demand for oil and oilcake.
Following the recession of monsoon floodwaters, mustard cultivation has increased significantly across the greater Chalan Beel area. In the current 2025-26 season, mustard has been cultivated on 93,733 hectares of land, including 38,920 hectares in Natore, 32,415 hectares in Sirajganj, and 22,398 hectares in Pabna.
Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) say farmers are showing increasing interest in mustard cultivation before planting Boro rice, ensuring efficient use of land.
"Farmers are shifting towards mustard because it provides good yields at relatively low cost within a short period," said Md Habibul Islam Khan, deputy director of DAE in Natore.
Sirajganj DAE Deputy Director Bablu Kumar Sutradhar said mustard cultivation in the district has increased by around 20 percent compared to last year, driven by modern farming techniques and improved seed varieties.
Similarly, Md Jahangir Alam Pramanik, deputy director of DAE in Pabna, said regular training and support have helped farmers increase production and improve income prospects.
According to DAE data, mustard cultivation in the Natore portion of Chalan Beel alone has exceeded 18,000 hectares this season, marking a 10 percent increase from the previous year. At the upazila level, cultivation covers 7,900 hectares in Gurudaspur, 8,300 hectares in Singra, and 2,000 hectares in Baraigram. In many fields, flowering has already ended and pods have begun forming, with harvesting expected to begin within a week.
Farmers, however, remain cautious about market prices. Faruk Sardar, a farmer from Bilsha village in Gurudaspur, said mustard harvesting will begin soon, but profit will depend on fair pricing.
"If the price falls below Tk 5,000 to Tk 6,000 per maund, profits will decline," he said.
Another farmer, Zahurul Islam from Nurpur Village in Singra, said yields of six to seven maunds per bigha could ensure good returns, but rising costs of seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and labour remain a concern.
Agricultural experts note that mustard not only provides income but also improves soil fertility, supports beekeeping, and strengthens the local rural economy.
Traders at Chanchkoir, a major commercial hub in Natore, said early-season wet mustard may sell between Tk 4,000 and Tk 5,000 per maund. Prices could fluctuate depending on supply and quality.
Wholesale buyers said clean, properly dried mustard fetches higher prices and helps stabilise the market. Local traders also emphasised the importance of government procurement programmes to protect farmers from price volatility and middlemen exploitation.
Farmers and traders alike are now focused on ensuring fair market prices as harvesting approaches. With proper policy support and stable market conditions, mustard cultivation in Chalan Beel has the potential to become a sustainable source of income and strengthen Bangladesh's domestic edible oil production.
