Gopalganj farmers swing to mustard cultivation

GOPALGANJ, Feb 25: Farmers are cultivating BARI-16, a high yielding variety (HYV) mustard on their croplands as it has proved profitable in the district this year.
According to Agriculture Extension Department (DAE), Gopalganj sources said, a total of 3,768 hectares of land in five upazilas of Gopalganj district have been brought under mustard cultivation with a production target of 4,522 metric tonnes (MT), sources said. BARI-16 HYV of mustard has already gained popularity among the farmers here as it can be produced in a short span of time with minimum irrigation and pesticides.
Nazma Haque, Sub-assistant Agriculture Officer (SAAO), Latifpur union under Gopalganj sadar Upazila told the FE on Monday cultivation of BARI-16 is on increase in Gopalganj sadar this year.
Only in Gopalganj sadar Upazila BARI-16 mustard farming have been brought under 1,758 hectares of land with a production target of 2,110 metric tonnes (MT), she added.
Ashit Kumar Saha, Deputy Director (DD) Agriculture, Gopalganj, told the FE on Monday favourable climate condition, proper distribution of BARI-16 seeds, timely supply of fertilisers, less pest attack and adequate agri-imputs made it possible for the farmers to cultivate the crop uninterruptedly.