Bangladesh : Mustard cultivation exceeds target in Jhenaidah
Mustard cultivation in Jhenaidah has surpassed targets, covering 13,229 hectares against expectations. Favorable weather, government support, and timely supply of seeds and fertilisers boosted expansion. Farmers anticipate a bumper harvest, aided by improved crop care and beekeeping initiatives. Officials say increased output will reduce reliance on imported edible oil.
Mustard cultivation has exceeded the target set by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) for six upazilas in Jhenaidah this season. The fields are now full of blooming mustard flowers while the buzzing of honeybees has brought the countryside to life.
According to the Agriculture Department, a total of 13,229 hectares of land has been brought into mustard cultivation in six upazilas of Jhenaidah this year with production target of 19,235 metric tons. Favourable weather conditions and government incentives have encouraged the farmers to cultivate mustard on more land than initially planned. With proper care and management, officials are hopeful of a bumper harvest.
Anu Mondol, a farmer of Miakundu village in Sadar upazila said, “As there were no storms or heavy rains in the district this season, the mustard crops were not damaged. With favourable weather conditions, we are expecting a good yield.”
Another farmer from the same village, Moshiar Rahman, said, “If there is no natural disaster ahead, we expect to harvest 10-11 maunds of mustard from about 46 decimals of land.”
Farmer Basir Mia said that government support played a key role in increased cultivation. “This year we received mustard seeds and fertilisers from the government. That’s why mustard farming has expanded so much. Edible oil prices are beyond what we can afford. If we get a good harvest, we won’t have to depend on soybean oil anymore.”
“My family can depend on oil to be produced from mustard cultivated on our own land this year. We are getting all kinds of support from the Agriculture Department, and whenever there’s a problem, we seek advice from the sub-assistant agriculture officers,” he added,
Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Nur-e-Nabi said, “To reduce dependence on imported edible oil, increase cropping intensity, and improve soil fertility, farmers are being encouraged to cultivate mustard. Under the government’s incentive programme, adequate seeds and fertilisers have been distributed among the growers this year.”
To ensure good yields, he said, they are providing farmers with regular guidance. At the same time, beekeeping is being promoted alongside mustard fields. This not only increases mustard production but also boosts honey output. “We are hopeful that mustard production will exceed the target this year,” he added.
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Source : Dhaka Tribune
