58.33 lakh tonnes rice produced during last three years in Khulna region

Despite the various natural disaster and salinity, all kinds of rice production have been increasing every year in the Khulna region.

A total of 58.33 lakh tonnes of rice have been produced from 17, 21,895 hectares of land in four districts under the Khulna region during the last three years, an official of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) told BSS on Sunday.

“It became possible for using of the modern technology, uninterrupted supply of electricity, irrigation facilities, available seeds, fertilisers and various initiatives taken by the government,” the official said.

Sources in the DAE said, farmers are cultivating Aush, Ropa Aman, Bona Aman and Boro paddy in Khulna, Narail, Bagerhat and Satkhira districts under the region every year.

In 2019-20 fiscal year, a total of 55,816 tonnes of Aush rice have been produced from 24,875 hectares of land, 8, 11, 400 tonnes of Ropa Aman have been produced from 2, 93, 810 hectares of land, 11,935 tonnes of Bona Aman have been produced from 9,835 hectares of land and 1,035,647 tonnes of Boro rice have been produced from 2, 33,340 hectares of land.

In 2020-21 fiscal year, a total of 62,179 tonnes of Aush rice have been produced from 26,790 hectares of land, 8, 08,203 tonnes of Ropa Aman have been produced from 2, 98,055 hectares of land, 12,950 tonnes of Bona Aman have been produced from 10,770 hectares of land and 10, 54,452 tonnes of Boro rice have been produced from 2, 40,410 hectares of land.

In 2021-22 fiscal year, a total of 58,835 tonnes of Aush rice have been produced from 25,490 hectares of land, 8, 26,831 tonnes of Ropa Aman have been produced from 2, 99,110 hectares of land, 12,653 tonnes of Bona Aman have been produced from 10,518 hectares of land and 10, 82,410 tonnes of Boro rice have been produced from 2, 48,892 hectares of land.

Talking to BSS, Additional Director of DAE in Khulna Zone Md Faridul Hasan said, rice cultivation has exceeded the target this year due to favourable weather though cyclone ‘Sitrang, caused huge damage to Aman paddy cultivation.

Despite various natural disasters, drought and salinity in the southern coastal belt, various initiatives including incentives for farmers, frequent electricity, irrigation, quality seeds and fertilisers by the government, proper cultivation and fertilization of Aush, Aman and Boro paddy has been exceeded rice production in the last couple of years.

“All kinds of rice production have also been increased as Agriculturists, DAE officials have given the right direction and advice to the farmers during all crops season,” he said adding that the farmers showed interest to increase the production of the crops.