An excellent farming of mustard across Kishoreganj district has made the growers optimistic of getting bumper production during the current season.
The cultivation of mustard has been easier in the region due to favourable weather condition and timely supply of necessary agro-inputs.
Highland is suitable for mustard cultivation. Low cost and easy production procedure encourage the growers to firm mustard on more land. It is a short-duration crop, so farmers can harvest it within 70 days of sowing the seeds.
According to Kishoreganj Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Office, the mustard growers are passing busy days in farming the crop amid a favorable climate condition and availability of quality mustard seeds, fertilizers and other agro-inputs.
Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) in Kishoreganj Md. Saiful Alam said that the department has a target of bringing at least 7,550 hectares of land under mustard cultivation in 13 upazilas of the district during the Rabi Season with an estimated output of 10,570 metric tones.
Of the total target, 120 hectares of land would be brought under the cultivation in Hossainpur, 50 hectares in Sadar Upazila, 130 hectares in Pakundia, 530 hectares in Katiadi, 1,365 hectares in Karimganj, 655 hectares in Tarail, 410 hectares in Itna, 85 hectares in Mitamoin, 575 hectares in Nikli, 155 hectares in Ashtagram, 990 hectares in Bajitpur, 265 hectares in Kuliarchar and 2,220 hectares in Bhairab upazilas.
Additional Deputy Director (Crop) of Kishoreganj DAE Md. Ashak Parvez said, mustard cultivation has been gaining popularity day by day as the crop has already been recognized as a cash crop due to it's value as an exportable item.
In line with the farmer friendly programmes of the government, the crop specialists and agro-experts of DAE Kishoreganj have continued their field-level service for the mustard growers, Md. Ashak Parvez added.
The authorities concerned have taken adequate step for ensuring smooth supply of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, technical assistance and other necessary inputs to the growers at the grassroots level while commercial banks, other financial institutions and NGOs provided easy term loans for the purpose.
