Magura farmers to count losses on Boro cultivation

MAGURA, Feb 18: Magura Boro farmers will count additional Tk 180 million this year Department of Agriculture Extension  (DAE) Magura informed they have taken a scheme to bring 35,600 hectares of land under Boro cultivation this year in the district with an output target of 1,42742 metric tonne rice.
Farmers sources said, making seedbeds for Boro cultivation is very close to completion. But seedlings are sold in the district at a higher price compared to last year. Per bundle seedling is being sold in the local market at Tk 5 as against Tk 3 last year. Payment for a labour has jumped to Tk 320 as against Tk 260 last year.  Due to price hike of seedlings the Boro farmers in the district will count an additional amount of Tk 60 million. Price hike of labour will also cost the farmers over Tk 120 million. In this way production cost of Boro paddy will be increased by Tk 180 million this year.
When contacted Abu Sharif a Boro farmer in village Kachundi under Magura sadar upazila said, I have cultivated Boro paddy in 2 bighas of land. This year my production cost will stand at Tk 14 thousand per bigha as against 12 thousand last year.
When contacted Magura DAE deputy director Mokhlesur Rahman admitted the price hike of seedlings and labour.