Bumper Maize harvest in Joypurhat, farmers in trouble over low price
Manowar Hossain, Panchbibi (Joypurhat)
Rows of maize plants. Some plants have one cob, while others have two.
This year, maize cultivation in Joypurhat district shows promising prospects for a bumper yield. A target of maize cultivation on approximately 935 hectares of land has been set, with a target production of about 9,859 metric tons. Due to favorable weather conditions, both farmers and the agriculture department are expecting a bumper maize harvest this year.
Joypurhat is an agriculturally suitable district, and its soil is favorable for maize cultivation. Maize is mostly cultivated in Sadar and Panchbibi upazilas. As the cost is low and profit is high, farmers are showing increasing interest in maize farming. Each bigha of land has yielded 40–50 maunds of maize, with the selling price ranging from 700–800 Taka per maund.
Farmers said that although the maize yield is good this year, the high prices of fertilizers and seeds have increased production costs, and the market price of maize does not match the expenses.
Md. Mojibur Rahman, Additional Deputy Director (Crops) of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Joypurhat, said: “Maize yield in Joypurhat is good this year, and we expect to exceed our target. We have provided high-yielding seeds through agricultural incentives and are informing farmers about maize cultivation care through training and guidance.”
