Dhaka 17, (V7N) - The government has undertaken an ambitious plan to produce 2.26 crore metric tons of boro rice from 50.70 lakh hectares of land this year. Preparations are in full swing to ensure smooth cultivation of the country's largest rice crop variety.

Early Boro Cultivation Underway

Early boro cultivation has already begun in the haor regions, while farmers on the plains are preparing seedlings. To meet the production target, the government is ensuring the availability of adequate urea and non-urea fertilizers, vital for this critical season which contributes two-thirds of the nation’s rice output.

Varieties of Boro Rice Cultivation

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), hybrid, high-yielding varieties (HYV), and local varieties will be cultivated to achieve the production goal. The DAE is encouraging farmers to focus on HYV options like BRRI-29 as well as new mega varieties such as BR-89, BR-92, and BR-102 for optimum results.

Regional Targets for Boro Rice Cultivation

The DAE has broken down cultivation targets across major regions:

1. Dhaka Region

Total: 5,98,234 hectares

Hybrid: 1,13,540 hectares

HYV: 4,82,718 hectares

Local: 1,976 hectares

2. Mymensingh Region

Total: 6,70,497 hectares

Hybrid: 2,58,130 hectares

HYV: 4,12,001 hectares

Local: 366 hectares

3. Cumilla Region

Total: 3,37,467 hectares

Hybrid: 71,870 hectares

HYV: 2,65,567 hectares

Local: 30 hectares

4. Sylhet Region

Total: 4,96,746 hectares

Hybrid: 1,43,795 hectares

HYV: 3,49,826 hectares

Local: 3,125 hectares

5. Chattogram Region

Total: 2,93,200 hectares

Hybrid: 1,44,530 hectares

HYV: 1,48,500 hectares

Local: 170 hectares

6. Rajshahi Region

Total: 3,76,110 hectares

Hybrid: 36,350 hectares

HYV: 3,39,760 hectares

7. Bogura Region

Total: 4,55,482 hectares

Hybrid: 51,550 hectares

HYV: 4,01,212 hectares

8. Rangpur Region

Total: 5,08,978 hectares

Hybrid: 2,27,856 hectares

HYV: 2,80,015 hectare

Local: 1,110 hectares

9. Barishal Region

Total: 2,15,245 hectares

Primarily covered by HYV.

10. Rangamati Region

Total: 27,827 hectares

Fertilizer Stocks in Place

The government has assured sufficient fertilizer availability for the boro season. According to Md Aminul Islam, Deputy Director (Fertilizer Management) of DAE, stocks include:

Urea: 11,04,908 metric tons

Triple Super Phosphate (TSP): 2,35,765 metric tons

Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP): 4,80,459 metric tons

Muriate of Potash (MoP): 2,56,023 metric tons

Previous Year’s Production

In 2023, Bangladesh produced 2.10 crore metric tons of boro rice on 48 lakh hectares of land. With increased cultivation area and focused efforts on high-yielding varieties, the government aims to surpass last year’s achievement.

This year’s boro production is crucial to meeting national food security demands and ensuring a stable rice supply.

END/BUS/RH