Farmers of Kishoreganj are expecting a record-high maize production in the region as they exceeded its fixed farming target by cultivating their crops at 9,465 hectares of land in 13 upazilas.
They set a production target 92,757 metric tons of maize from their lands during this Robi season.
Officials of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) said the farmers are showing huge interest in expanding maize cultivation after getting repeated bumper production with excellent price in recent years.
“Maize cultivation is expanding fast contributing to cutting poverty and helping the poor in improving livelihoods and achieving self-reliance,” said Md Saiful Alam, Deputy Director of the DAE, Kishoreganj.
Of the total production target, cultivation was done at145 hectares land in Hossainpur, 350 hectares in Kishoreganj Sadar, 620 hectares in Pakundia, 130 hectares in Katiadi, 240 hectares in Karimganj, 30 hectares in Tarail, 165 hectares in Itna, 2485 hectares in Mithamoin, 2725 hectares in Nikli, 520 hectares in Austagram, 1900 hectares in Bajitpur, 120 hectares in Kuliarchar and 35 hectares in Bhairab upazila.
Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) and a number of NGOs have taken several steps to provide quality maize seeds among the farmers to ensure its proper cultivation.
The authorities concerned have taken adequate steps for ensuring smooth supply of fertilizers, pesticides, technical assistant and others inputs to the maize growers at grassroots level.
Besides, commercial banks, other financial institutions and NGOs provided easy-term agriculture loans in this connection. “On the other hand necessary trainings and advices were given to the farmers for ensuring maximum production,” Md Saiful Alam added.