SB Sujon :
Paddy fields now stretch across Lalmonirhat as farmers remain busy harvesting Aman rice amid the traditional Nabanna celebrations, although concerns over fair prices continue to trouble growers despite strong yields.
Farmers across the northern border district said the production has been better than expected this season, but rising labour, fertiliser and pesticide costs have sharply increased cultivation expenses.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Aman cultivation in the district exceeded the official target this year.
The DAE had set a cultivation target of 48,000 hectares for the current season, but farmers cultivated Aman on 48,810 hectares, surpassing the target by 810 hectares.
Harvesting and threshing activities are now underway in all five upazilas of the district.
Farmers said they would benefit only if the government directly procures enough paddy from growers at fair prices.
Harati Union farmer M Mizanur Rahman said he cultivated Aman on around two and a half acres of land this season.
“The yield is very good this year, but labour wages and the prices of fertiliser and pesticides have increased compared with last year,” he said.
He said labourers are also difficult to find during the peak harvesting period despite offering higher wages.
“If we get a good market price, we will still make a profit after covering all expenses. But we are uncertain about the price we will finally receive,” he added.
Similar concerns were echoed by farmers in Aditmari, Kaliganj and Hatibandha upazilas.
Women are also playing a major role in harvesting and post-harvest work alongside men during the busy season.
Farmer Sabera Bewa said she has been spending long hours drying paddy and organising straw after managing household work.
Farmer Monirul Islam said the cultivation cost per bigha increased to around Tk12,000-Tk13,000 this season due to higher fertiliser prices and labour costs.
“Last year, labourers charged Tk400-Tk500 a day. This year, we are paying Tk600-Tk700,” he said.
“The main concern now is how much money will remain in our pockets after meeting all expenses,” he added.
DAE Lalmonirhat Deputy Director Md Saykhul Arifin said the higher cultivation area was a major achievement for the district.
“Our field-level officials provided farmers with necessary guidance and technical support from the beginning of the season,” he said.
Although production costs increased due to higher labour and fertiliser prices, the overall yield remained highly satisfactory, he added.
“If the current market price of paddy remains stable, farmers in Lalmonirhat will still be able to make a good profit this season,” he said.
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