Farmers in Sonatala upazila of Bogra are facing growing difficulties as the prices of Aman paddy seedlings have surged in local markets, despite ample supplies. They have urged the authorities to take immediate steps to keep paddy seedling prices within an affordable range.
During visits to several markets, including Syed Ahmed College Haat, Karamja Haat, Thakurpara Sanyasi Mela Haat, Velurpara Haat, Karpur Haat, Balua Haat, Harikhali Haat, Tekani Chukainagar Haat and Pakulla Haat, large quantities of paddy seedlings were found being brought in for sale.
Seedlings of BRRI Dhan-28, 29, 89 and 92, as well as Ranjit and various local varieties, were available. Eighty bundles were selling for Tk 350 to Tk 400. Seedlings of aromatic white- and black-grain varieties were considerably more expensive, with 80 bundles priced at Tk 700 to Tk 800.
Farmers said many of their own paddy seedlings had been damaged by prolonged dry weather, excessive heat, inadequate rainfall and irrigation shortages. As a result, they have been forced to depend on market-bought seedlings for Aman cultivation.
They also alleged that some traders and seedling producers were exploiting the increased demand to charge higher prices. According to farmers, the prices of paddy seedlings have risen nearly two to three times compared with last year.
Abdul Alim, a farmer from Padmapara village, said his seedbed dried up despite repeated irrigation efforts. “I could not save my seedlings despite providing irrigation and trying to protect them from the intense heat. I had no option but to come to the market, but the prices are too high,” he said.
Farmers Rafiqul Islam, Mozammel Haque and Bokul Pramanik of Thakurpara said rising diesel and irrigation costs had increased seedling production expenses. They added that paddy seedlings had also been damaged in some low-lying areas after fields were inundated.
Sonatala Upazila Agriculture Officer Krishibid Sohrab Hossain said the agriculture office was providing farmers with necessary technical advice to ensure successful Aman cultivation in line with the production target.
“Market monitoring is being strengthened to prevent paddy seedling shortages and ensure the sale of quality seedlings at reasonable prices,” he said.
