Photo : BSS

RANGPUR, June 26, 2025 (BSS) – The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has fixed a target of producing 20,10,505 tonnes of clean Aman rice (30,15,757 tonnes in terms of paddy) from 6,20,430 hectares of land for Rangpur agriculture region.
 
"Farmers are preparing their seedbeds for Aman rice to start planting seedlings in their croplands from next month," Additional Director of the DAE for Rangpur region agriculturist Md Shafikul Islam said. 

Though the cultivable land area continues to decline, it is possible to increase the production of Aman rice through proper cultivation, use of quality seeds, preparation of model seedbeds, balanced fertilizer application, and use of advanced technology.

Earlier, last season, farmers produced 18,88,538 tonnes of clean Aman rice (28,32,807 tonnes in terms of paddy) by cultivating this staple crop on 6,16,299 hectares of land in the region.

Meanwhile, farmers have prepared seedbeds for Aman rice on 15,727 hectares of land by Wednesday, while seedbeds are required to be prepared on 30,349 hectares of land for Aman rice cultivation on 20,10,505 hectares of land in the region.

"Considering the possibility of seasonal floods, we will take special measures to prepare the seedbeds in this area if necessary, so that the cultivation process of Aman rice is not affected," said agriculturist Shafikul Islam. 

In case of low rainfall or drought, if any, Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation and Barind Multipurpose Development Authority will keep their irrigation pumps ready for timely planting of Aman rice seedlings across the region.

"We have directed field-level agricultural officers to provide all necessary support and latest technology to farmers to ensure successful cultivation of Aman rice in this region," he said.
 
In addition, steps will be taken to prepare the seedbeds for late varieties of Aman rice in highlands and floating seedbeds in low-lying areas so that there was no shortage of seedlings due to floods in July-August, if any.

"In all five districts of the region, where favorable weather conditions prevail, farmers are now preparing their seedbeds and cropland for planting Aman rice seedlings,” Shafikul Islam added.

Meanwhile, the interim government through the DAE continues distributing high-quality Aman rice seeds and fertilisers among the small and marginal farmers as incentives to assist them in cultivating the crop across the region.

Talking to BSS, affluent farmer Ariful Haque of Najirdigar village in Rangpur Sadar upazila said he has already prepared seedbeds and will start planting Aman rice seedlings on his seven acres of land from next month. 

Similarly, farmers Manik Mia, Abdullah Al Mamun, Ishaq Ali, Moshiar Rahman and Abdul Latif from different upazilas of Rangpur said they have also prepared seedbeds of Aman rice to start planting seedlings on their cropland from next month.