Golden harvest: Sirajganj farmers reap bumper mustard crop
Harvesting and threshing are nearly complete across the district, with farmers reporting increased profits due to the combination of a higher-than-expected yield and strong market demand
Farmers in Sirajganj are celebrating a bumper mustard harvest this season, with the high yields complemented by favourable market prices.
The success of this year's mustard cultivation has brought much-needed financial relief to many, particularly ahead of Eid.
Harvesting and threshing are nearly complete across the district, with farmers reporting increased profits due to the combination of a higher-than-expected yield and strong market demand.
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Mustard is currently selling at around Tk2,700 to Tk2,800 per maund (approximately 40 kg), significantly boosting farmers' earnings.
Expansion of Cultivation
According to local agricultural sources, mustard was cultivated on 87,125 hectares of land across the district's nine upazilas.
But farmers expanded their mustard fields by an additional 2,500 hectares, exceeding initial projections.
The most productive regions include Tarash, Raiganj, Ullapara, Shahjadpur, Kamarkhand, Kazipur, Belkuchi, Sirajganj Sadar and the char areas along the Jamuna River.
Popular mustard varieties such as Tori-7, Bari-14, Bina-9, and Bina-14 were widely cultivated, while the uric acid-free Kelania variety was grown in the char areas.
Harvesting began in the second week of February and is expected to be full completed within a week.
Support from Agricultural Authorities
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) played a significant role in this year's successful harvest, providing subsidised seeds and fertilisers to small and marginal farmers.
Agricultural officers also offered guidance throughout the cultivation process, ensuring that farmers adopted best practices to maximise their yield.
Ahsan Shahid Sarkar, deputy director of the District Agricultural Extension Department, highlighted the positive impact of government incentives on mustard cultivation.
"Small and marginal farmers received free fertiliser and seeds, and the agriculture department provided guidance throughout the process. Due to favourable weather conditions and this support, we have seen a bumper mustard harvest," he said.
Future Prospects
Farmers are particularly pleased with the financial benefits of this year's mustard cultivation.
The cost of production remained low, while profits soared due to the high market prices. Many farmers plan to use their earnings to cover Eid expenses and reinvest in their farms for the next planting season.
With mustard cultivation increasing year on year, Sirajganj continues to solidify its position as a key mustard-producing district in Bangladesh.
As long as government support and favourable weather conditions persist, local farmers remain optimistic about the future of mustard farming in the region.
