Farmers in Rangamati are happy and in high hopes, as the Boro paddy yield seems quite satisfactory this season in the district.
Favourable weather and the absence of any crop pestilence have helped increase the yield, which might exceed the target this year, said farmers.
7,140 hectares of land were cultivated in 10 upazilas of the district, with a target of around 34,272 tons of paddy this season, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).
Most of the Boro paddy is cultivated in Baghaichhari, Langdu, Kawkhali and Naniarchar upazilas every year, the DAE added.
On a recent visit, this correspondent saw farmers, including women, very busy in their fields with harvesting in full swing in various upazilas of Rangamati district.
Farmer Lilu Kumar Chakma of Rangapani village, said he planted hybrid and ufsi varieties of paddy on two bighas of land. "The yield is satisfactory on my land."
The Boro yield has been better than last year, said another farmer, Shishubati Chakma.
Kaptai upazila Agriculture Officer Samsul Alom Choudhury said Boro paddy was grown on 280 hectares of land in 5 unions of the upazila.
"A total of 480 hectares of land were used for cultivating Boro paddy here." said Apru Marma, Sadar upazila Agriculture Officer.
" Hybrid rice has been cultivated on 230 hectares, and Ufsi on 250 hectares this year.
"We have advised farmers to grow Ayush paddy and winter vegetables after the Boro paddy harvesting ends so that no land remains idle," said Apru Marma.
He also said at least 200 farmers were given 5kgs of Ayush paddy seeds and 200 kgs of fertilizer each, free of cost.
Rangamati DAE Deputy Director Paban Chakma said most of the Boro paddy was cultivated in Baghaichhari, Langdu, Kawkhali and Naniarchar upazilas where yield seemed satisfactory this season.
Farmers here were helping each other with harvesting so a labour crisis would not hamper harvesting, said Paban Chakma.
The government will also buy the paddy from the farmers, he added.
