BOGURA, Oct 04: Due to repeated bumper production previous year, chilli farming has exceeded target this season in Bogura district.
The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) has fixed a target to produce chilli on around 3,200 hectares of land this season but the farmers have already taken over 3,600 hectares of land.
More than 40,000 peasants of Dupchanchia, Kahaloo, Adamdighi, Shibganj, Sherpur, Dhunot, Nandigram, Shajanpur, Sadar, Sariakandi, Sonatola and Gabtoly upazilas are engaged with the farming of the item this season.
Sources said chilli growers made over Tk 40 million profit last year and they are expecting to make around Tk 50 million this season.
Generally, farmers begin chilli cultivation from the last week of 'Bhadra' and continue till 'Katrik'. Harvest usually starts from the first week of 'Agrahayan' and continue till 'Magha'.
"I am growing chilli on 33 decimals of land this season spending Tk 9,800", said farmer Jahurul Islam of Sadar upazila. He further said, "I am expecting to make over Tk 0.1 million this season."
Sub-assistance agriculture officer of DAE Faridur Rahman said the peasants have brought more land under the spice cultivation this season. DAE has provided all sort of logistic support among the farmers, he added.
Deputy Director of DAE Protul Chandra Sarker said, "We encourage the farmers to use modern techniques to make the farming profitable."
reporter.fe@gmail.com