Farmers in Sonatala upazila of Bogra are expecting bumper harvest of aromatic Kalojira rice this season, with healthy plants and well-developed grain heads raising hopes of higher yields.
According to the Upazila Agriculture Extension Department, Kalojira rice has been cultivated on 760 hectares of land across one municipality and seven union parishads this year, up from 560 hectares last year. The acreage has increased by 200 hectares as more farmers turn to the variety for its relatively low production costs and higher returns.
Kalojira rice is prized for its distinctive aroma and taste. Its rice is widely used to prepare polao, payesh and other delicacies, making it more sought-after by consumers than ordinary rice varieties.
Farmers have cultivated the variety extensively in Pathanpara, Dharmakul, Rashidpur, Baluahat, Aguniyatair, Bocharpukur, Chamargachha, Lahiripara, Bagbari, Ariar Ghat, Harikhali, Kachari Bazar, Shalikha, Padmapara, Uttar Karamja, Huakua, Shyampur, Nishchintapur, Pakulla, Charpara, Bhelurpara, Holidabaga, Thakurpara, Nimerpara and Shicharpara.
Local farmers Abdul Kader, Ismail Hossain, Imarat Ali, Nazrul Islam and Parvin Begum said the variety generally produces good yields and fetches a higher market price because of strong demand. They said paddy sells for around Tk3,000 per maund.
They said cultivation involved considerable labour, from land preparation, seed sowing and transplanting to fertiliser application, irrigation and weed control. Farmers also had to remain vigilant against pest attacks and crop diseases.
With the plants growing well and the grain heads developing favourably, farmers are optimistic about the harvest. However, the final yield will depend on favourable weather and protection from natural disasters.
Farmers said a good harvest and fair prices would encourage them to expand cultivation of the aromatic variety in the coming seasons, potentially increasing their income.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Sohrab Hossain said the promising crop had raised hopes among farmers, who were now eagerly waiting to bring the harvest home. He expressed optimism that a good yield and fair prices would make the season rewarding for them.