JOYPURHAT, March 18, 2024 (BSS) - A total of 855 hectares of land were brought under maize cultivation in the district during the current Rabi season.

Deputy director of Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) Rahela Parveen said, the target of maize production has been set at 12,000 tonnes from 855 hectares of land this current Rabi season.

DAE already distributed Hybrid varieties of maize seeds and fertilizers as incentives for the cultivation of maize under the agricultural incentive and rehabilitation program free of cost among the farmers of the district, she said.

The DAE official said, maize was cultivated on 840 hectares of land last year.

Maize cultivation land has expanded this year under government guidance. Through the program, farmers have been given various materials for maize cultivation.

Maize cultivation is gaining popularity day by day in the district. The target of cultivation has been exceeding every year in the district. Specially, the lands of Joypurhat Sadar, Panchbibi and Akkelpur upazilas of the district are being cultivated maize in a large scale due to the quality of the soil, DAE official said.

Maize is now one of the highest cultivated cash crops in the district. The easy cultivation process, less irrigation and much demand in the markets is the main cause of popularity of maize cultivation, Parveen said.

Agriculture department has taken extensive activities at the field level to encourage the farmers to cultivate maize.

The maize farmers of the district and agriculture department are expecting a bumper maize production this year as the favorable weather conditions, she added.