Bagerhat, Jan 10, (V7N) -Despite the severe winter chill, farmers in Chitalmari, Bagerhat, are actively engaged in planting Boro rice this season. A target of 30,000 acres of land has been set for Boro rice cultivation in the upazila this year. Most of the farmland has already been prepared, and farmers are diligently transplanting seedlings from their seedbeds into the fields.

The favorable market prices for rice and paddy have encouraged farmers to invest more in cultivation this year. Agricultural experts believe that if the weather remains favorable, farmers can expect a bountiful harvest.

According to the Upazila Agricultural Extension Department, Chitalmari upazila consists of 21 agricultural blocks across 7 unions. In these blocks, farmers are cultivating various types of Boro rice, including Ufshi, local, and high-yielding varieties (HYV).

So far, farmers have successfully planted seedlings on 11,115 acres of land, with the remaining acreage under active cultivation. Despite harsh cold conditions, farmers are starting their work at dawn to meet the cultivation target.

Local farmers like Sudhanshu Adhikari, Parimal Mridha, Baburam Malangi of Raigram, Shekhar Bhakta of Serampur, and Shawkat Sheikh, Ripon Molla, and Hanef Kazi of Barabaria shared that past rice farming often led to financial losses. However, due to the current high market prices of paddy, they are hopeful for better returns.

They believe that if the weather supports crop growth and they receive fair market prices, this year's Boro rice cultivation could be profitable.

Md. Sifat-al-Maruf, Agriculture Officer of Chitalmari Upazila, stated:
"Farmers have begun Boro rice cultivation despite the cold weather. We are providing continuous field monitoring and guidance to ensure the cultivation target is met. If weather conditions remain favorable, we are optimistic about surpassing the production target."

With dedicated efforts from farmers and ongoing support from agricultural officials, Bagerhat’s Boro rice cultivation is poised for a successful season.

END/PSB/RH/