Harvesting of the early variety transplanted Aman (T-Aman) paddy is now going on in full swing amid much enthusiasm in Bogura district.
Marginal farmers and agricultural workers are taking delight in harvesting the paddy variety at the beginning of the season in all twelve upazilas of the district.
Much to their joy, the farmers are getting good yield and fair market price simultaneously of the short-term variety of paddy.
They are also preparing their land to plant Robi crops in the same fields after harvesting paddy.
Farmers are hoping that the early variety of paddy will create new possibilities to offset the losses from climate change in the north.
Farmers cultivate T-Aman paddy in the region amidst various adverse conditions including flood, heavy rain and stormy weather.
However, in the current season, planting of T-Aman has received a boost in Dupchanchia, Kahaloo, Gabtali, Shajahanpur, Sherpur, Dhunat, Adamdighi, Shibganj, Nandigram and Sadar upazilas of the district.
The farmers expect the price to be higher in the market this year.
Due to short life span, there is an opportunity to cultivate Robi crops even after planting BARRI -76.
In this way, the farmers are making extra income by cultivating Robi crops along with paddy.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, Bogua, T-aman paddy has been planted on 1,87,000 hectares of land in the district this year.
Short-term Bina-7 and BARRI paddy-33 have been planted on 56,61,75,69 hectares and early variety paddy has been cultivated on 12,625 hectares of land.
Meanwhile, farmers have started cultivating Robi crops on the vacant land.
Sources at the DAE, Bogura said farmers will be able to earn extra income by cultivating different types of Robi crops including potato, mustard, onion and cauliflower in the vacated land.
Farmers are benefiting from the good yield of this variety of paddy in advance by increasing the grain density.
Advance paddy is meeting their family needs. The farmers also said they are benefiting financially as they are getting better market prices of paddy and cow feed.
On an average, paddy is being produced from 16 to 18 pounds per bigha.
Khalil Mia, a farmer in the char area, said he was preparing to cultivate mustard, mung bean and potato in these fields after harvesting paddy.
Deputy Director of the DAE, Bogura Md Dulal Hossain said the Department of Agricultural Extension is working to encourage farmers to cultivate the short-term paddy variety in the middle of harvesting.
After harvesting the paddy in advance, all kinds of assistance will be provided for cultivating mustard, mung bean, potato and wheat in the fields, said the agriculture official.
