A bumper yield of Aman paddy was seen in the southern districts of the country. Most of the paddy markets of Patuakhali were full of traders, farmers and transporters in last few days.
After visiting Kalaia paddy market at Bauphal in Patuakhali on Monday it was seen that there was a good supply of Aman paddy there. On the other hand the demand was also good. The farmers were happy with the price of the paddy in the market.
A large number of farmers from different areas of the district brought their paddy to sell in Kalaia market. Local traders and traders from Dhaka, Munshiganj, Jashore, Khulna, Cumilla, Faridpur and other areas gathered there to buy paddy.
Each maund (48kg) Aman paddy was sold at Taka 1,300 to 1,400. Another variant of Aman paddy was sold at Taka 1,000 to 1,100. Besides, Chinigura paddy was sold at Taka 1,600 per maund.M Waliul Islam, a local farmer, said, “We are getting a benefit of Taka 15 thousand from per acre of land. The total cost of harvesting paddy for an acre is around Tk 33,500. We are making a good profit as the price of the paddy is good.”
A wholesale paddy trader of Kalaia market, Ratan Bonik, said, “Kalaia paddy market is one of the largest paddy market in the country. Many farmers from Bhola and Patuakhali come here to sell their paddy as many traders from all over the country travel here to buy paddy in this season. Moreover, some 1,000 labourers are involved in loading, unloading and other work at the market.”
Bauphal Upazila Agriculture Officer M Moniruzzaman Himu said, “Aman paddy was cultivated in some 35,100 hectors of land in Bauphal upazila. The production was up to the mark. Conquering the challenges due to natural disasters, the farmers of the area smiled at last as they experienced a bumper paddy production this year. The farmers of the area are also happy as they have been getting fair price for their crops.”
