Bangladesh : Rajshahi sees bumper wheat harvest as cultivation area expands
This year, Rajshahi has seen a bumper wheat harvest due to favorable weather and expanded cultivation. Wheat farming grew by 1,025 hectares, with a production target of 395,348 metric tons, likely to be surpassed. Farmers benefited from free seeds, fertilizers, and advisory services. Lower costs, high-yielding varieties, and improved profitability have revived interest in wheat cultivation across the region.
As a rabi crop, wheat is harvested during final month of Bengali calendar in the spring season. While rice is the staple food of Bangladesh, wheat bread is also a significant part of the diet.
This year, favorable weather conditions in Rajshahi have led to a bumper harvest of wheat, alongside other crops like rice, potatoes and vegetables. Wheat harvesting and threshing are already underway across vast fields.
According to the Agriculture Office, wheat cultivation has increased compared to last year.
Statistics from Rajshahi Agriculture Office reveal that wheat cultivation has expanded by 1,025 hectares compared to the previous year. In 2024, wheat was grown on 92,842 hectares, yielding 388,268 metric tons. This year, wheat has been cultivated on 93,867 hectares, with a production target set at 395,348 metric tons. Agriculture Department predicts that the actual production will exceed the target due to favorable weather conditions.
Agriculture Department also mentions that due to comparatively lower costs and climate change, new high-yielding varieties of wheat have been developed. The cost of wheat farming has decreased, making it more profitable, which has encouraged farmers to increase wheat cultivation. While interest in wheat farming had declined in Rajshahi region in the past, it has risen significantly in recent years.
Rafiqul Islam, a wheat farmer from Pakuria village in Paba upazila, shared that he received improved wheat seeds and fertilizers free of cost from local agriculture office. He is cultivating wheat on three bighas of land this year and expects a yield of 15 to 20 mounds of wheat per bigha after harvesting.
Shariful Alam, a farmer from Borogachi union, said that he has cultivated wheat on 8 bighas of land this year. Agricultural officers have provided him with various advisory services and after harvesting three bighas, he expects a yield of 15.5 mounds per bigha.
Many farmers reported that this year’s wheat harvest has been more satisfactory than last year. Due to favorable weather, the cost of fertilizers and pesticides has been lower, and they are pleased with the yield.
Another wheat farmer, Jasim Uddin from Pakuria in Paba upazila, mentioned that he spent about Tk 8,000 per bigha to cultivate wheat this year. He is optimistic about the good harvest and expects to earn a good price in the market.
Umme Salma, Deputy Director of Rajshahi Agricultural Extension Department, stated that wheat is a highly profitable rabi crop. To encourage farmers, high-yielding and blast-resistant wheat varieties, along with fertilizers, were distributed free of charge to registered farmers.
Moreover, various advisory services have been provided to wheat farmers. With favorable weather, the production is expected to exceed the set target, according to the official.
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Source : Daily Observer
