Mustard farming brings dual benefit, with honey yield

FE Team | Published: January 13, 2025 21:32:34

KHULNA, Jan 13 (UNB): Farmers in Koyra upazila of Khulna are increasingly embracing mustard cultivation, driven by its promising financial benefits.
The area dedicated to mustard fields has been steadily expanding each year, with farmers reaping dual rewards from the crop-the mustard yield itself and the honey produced from the flowers.
This year, mustard fields spanning across Amadi, Bagali, Meheshripur, Moharajpur, Koyra Sadar, Uttar and Dakshin Bedakashi villages have turned into vibrant yellow landscapes, attracting not only farmers but also nature enthusiasts seeking beauty in the countryside.
According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, mustard cultivation has been carried out on 210 hectares of land this season, with 200 farmers receiving government incentives. Each farmer was provided with 10 kilograms of DAP, 10 kilograms of MOP, and one kilogram of mustard seeds to aid their efforts.
Nazrul Islam, a farmer from Kalna village, expanded his mustard cultivation by an additional two bighas this year, bringing the total to seven bighas. "Last year's bumper yield inspired me to increase the cultivated area," he shared, adding that he is hopeful for another successful harvest.
Similarly, young farmer Ashrafuzzam Liton from Balidanga village planted mustard for the first time this season, following guidance from the upazila agriculture office. "If no natural disaster strikes, we can expect a bumper yield," he expressed confidently.
Meanwhile, Mohar Ali Ghain from Bedkashi village cultivated mustard on two bighas of land at minimal cost, expecting a substantial crop this year.
Md Abdullah Al Mamun, the Upazila Agriculture Officer, highlighted the significant potential for mustard and sunflower cultivation in Koyra.
Despite excessive rainfall delaying the Aman paddy harvest and slightly reducing the area for mustard cultivation, farmers adapted quickly. By following the advice of the Agriculture Extension Department, they managed to plant mustard on fallow land, mitigating potential losses.