Aman rice transplantation has been completed on 43% of the target farmland in the Rangpur agricultural region, with farmers continuing planting in full swing amid favourable monsoon rainfall.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Aman seedlings have so far been transplanted on 267,267 hectares of land out of the targeted 621,550 hectares across the region.
Md Shirajul Islam, additional director of the DAE for Rangpur region, expressed optimism that the cultivation target would be achieved this season as weather conditions remain favourable.
The DAE has set a production target of 2.01 million tonnes of clean Aman rice (3.01 million tonnes in paddy equivalent) from 621,550 hectares across Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat and Nilphamari districts.
The target includes 1.67 million tonnes of high-yielding Aman rice from 524,520 hectares, 314,221 tonnes of hybrid Aman rice from 86,020 hectares, and 20,737 tonnes of local Aman rice from 11,010 hectares.
Last season, farmers produced 2.00 million tonnes of clean Aman rice from 616,299 hectares in the region.
Farmers have prepared seedbeds on 34,586 hectares—13.77% more than the required 30,401 hectares—to ensure an adequate supply of seedlings.
The government, through the DAE, has distributed quality Aman seeds and fertilisers among small and marginal farmers. Authorities have also prepared contingency plans, including late-variety and floating seedbeds, to address any seedling shortages in the event of flooding in August.
"We have instructed field-level agricultural officers to provide all necessary support and modern technologies to ensure successful Aman cultivation this season," Shirajul Islam said.
Farmers across Sadar, Gangachara, Taraganj, Mithapukur and Pirgachha upazilas said transplantation had gained momentum following frequent seasonal rainfall.
"We are hopeful of achieving the Aman cultivation target this season," said farmer Mofizar Rahman of Taraganj.
Another farmer, Anwar Hossain of Gangachara, said the young Aman plants were growing well due to the recent rains.
