Maize farming gaining ground in Lalmonirhat
Sunday, 24 April 2022
OUR CORRESPONDENT
LALMONIRHAT, Apr 23: Maize farming is gradually gaining ground among the farmers of the district due to its high yield and profit.
According to sources in the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) here, maize has become the major crop of the district. Farmers can now cultivate it throughout the year. Last year farmers cultivated maize on 30,400 hectares of land but this year 31,870 hectares of land have brought under maize farming. Farmers cultivate maize on nearly 42,000 hectares of land round the year (Rabi and Kharif seasons). The number of farmers is increasing every year for its good yield and profit.
Shamsul Alam, a farmer who lives in Char Khulaghat under Sadar upazila said, "I invested Tk 10-12 thousand in one bigha of land. About 25-30 maunds of maize were produced. Presently, maize is being sold at Tk 1000-1100 per maund."
He is expecting that this year the price of maize will be higher as its demand is high.
Birendranath Roy, an official at DAE said, "The cost of maize farming is lower than other crops. The yield is also very satisfactory and its market price is fair. The growing demand and expansion of poultry, fisheries, livestock and food industry now totally depend on maize".
"The prices of fish and poultry have already increased, so the price of maize will also go up this year. Moreover, the price of maize in the international market is high for Russia-Ukraine war," he added.
Rahim Uddin, another farmer of Patgram upazila said, "Many farmers are now cultivating maize instead of other traditional crops. The farmers are now more interested to cultivate maize for its handsome price."
Shamim Ashraf, Deputy Director (DD) at Lalmonirhat DAE said, "Maize cultivation is now very much popular and profitable for its growing demand. Lalmonirhat, one of the frontier districts, has secured 4th position in maize cultivation. Two big rivers such as Teesta and Dharla are flowing through the district. Thousands of people have lost their cultivable lands and homesteads due to erosion by mighty rivers. Maize related agro-based industry can create job opportunities for many people and eradicate poverty from this area."
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