SYLHET, Dec 30: Cultivation of different crops in addition to Boro paddy during the current Rabi season has increased as the farmers are showing more interest in the diversified crops in place of the traditional ones.
An official at the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), Sylhet division, said with increased technical and consultation assistance from the government organisations, farmers were now more involved in raising the farming of crops like mustard, wheat, potato, sweet potato, onion etc.
Especially farming of mustard and wheat has been on the rise in Sylhet division although it was almost neglected in the region, he added.
A total of 7016 hectares of land had already been brought under the cultivation of the crop against the last year's 6202 hectares in the four districts last year, the official informed adding, it may be increased a little more.
The cultivated area includes, highest 2,550 hectares in Sylhet, 780 hectares in Moulvibazar, 2,030 hectares in Habiganj and 7016 hectares in Sunamganj district, the official added.
The varieties include, Bari-14, Bari-15 of the high yielding varieties while the local variety Tori-7 are being preferred in the region, the official added..
On the other hand, farming of wheat has also been increased in Sylhet division which was almost unthinkable and neglected a decade ago.
A total of 1344 hectares of lands had already been brought under the cultivation of the crop against the last year's 1517 hectares in the four districts, the official informed adding.
The total includes, highest 240 hectares in Sylhet, 63 hectares in Moulvibazar, 480 hectares in Habiganj and highest 561 hectares in Sunamganj district, the official added, it would be increased more.
The high yielding varieties of the crop like Bari-27 and Bari-28 varieties are being cultivated in the region, informed the official.
