UKHIYA, COX'S BAZAR, Apr 24: Farmers in Ukhiya Upazila are preparing for the upcoming Boro paddy harvest amid optimism from agricultural officials that this season's production target is likely to be achieved, thanks to favourable weather and improved farming practices.
According to the Upazila Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Boro cultivation has been carried out on 6,870 hectares of land across five unions-Jalia Palong, Ratna Palong, Rajapalong, Palongkhali and Haldia Palong. The cultivated area exceeds last year's target by around 90 hectares, reflecting growing interest among farmers in expanding Boro production.
A visit to different villages shows vast stretches of paddy fields, once lush green, now gradually turning golden as the crops approach maturity. Farmers in at least 64 villages, including Sonarpara, Monkhali, Hijolia, Kutupalong, Chowdhuripara, Haringmara, Patabari, Moricha, Kotbazar, Rumkha and Paglir Bill, are now busy preparing for harvest.
Local farmers said that nearly 80 per cent of the paddy has already ripened, and harvesting has started in some areas. They expect full-scale harvesting to begin within a week, depending on weather conditions.
"We have cultivated BRRI dhan-28 on two acres of land, and the yield looks very promising this year," said Mofizur Rahman, a farmer from Patabari Village under Haldia Palong Union.
Another farmer, Saidur Rahman from Chakbaitha village in Ratna Palong Union, attributed the good yield prospects to favourable weather, improved technology and proper crop management. "We did not face major pest attacks this season, and that has helped the crop grow well. The yield looks very encouraging," he said.
Farmers also noted that the use of improved seed varieties and modern cultivation methods has played a crucial role in boosting production. Many farmers have adopted high-yielding and hybrid varieties, which are known for better output and resistance to diseases.
Upazila Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Abu Taher said a wide range of high-yielding and hybrid varieties have been cultivated across the upazila. These include BRRI dhan-28, 75, 88, 89, 92, 94, 95, 100 and 101, contributing to the overall positive outlook for the season.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Kamonashish Sarker said the production target for this Boro season has been set at 38,000 metric tonnes. "Considering the present condition of the fields and the overall progress of cultivation, we are hopeful that the target will be achieved," he said.
He further added that under the government's agricultural incentive programme, around 700 small and marginal farmers have received 3,000 kilograms of Boro seeds free of cost. Alongside seeds, they were also provided with essential fertilisers, including MOP and DAP, to support cultivation.
Upazila Agriculture Extension Officer Benzir Iqbal said farmers have been given regular training on modern agricultural practices. These include proper land selection, nursery preparation, improved planting techniques, and the use of biological methods for pest control.
