Photo: BSS

FENI, May 17, 2026 (BSS) - The harvesting of Boro paddy in the district is nearing its final stage this season, with production surpassing the set targets.

Favourable weather conditions and the absence of any irrigation crisis have contributed to the bumper yield.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Boro paddy was cultivated on 31,417 hectares of land against a target of 31,488 hectares across six upazilas.

Sadar upazila accounted for 8,703 hectares, Chhagalnaiya 5,745 hectares, Daganbhuiyan 6,485 hectares, Fulgazi 4,719 hectares, Parshuram 3,255 hectares and Sonagazi 2,520 hectares.

Of the total cultivated land, 5,756 hectares were planted with hybrid varieties and 25,671 hectares with high-yielding varieties.

The Agriculture Department reported that 81 percent of harvesting had been completed as of Saturday, May 16, and expects the process, which began in late April, to conclude by the end of May.

Hybrid varieties were expected to yield 4.75 metric tonnes per hectare but produced 4.78 metric tonnes, while high-yielding varieties achieved 3.77 metric tonnes per hectare, slightly exceeding the target of 3.76 metric tonnes.

Despite the record harvest, farmers are facing financial pressure. Increased diesel prices raised irrigation costs toward the end of the season, while labour wages surged significantly.

While official estimates place the production cost at Taka 25.33 per kilogram, farmers said the cost exceeded Taka 30, citing field labour wages rising from Taka 750 to over Taka 1,200 per worker. Md Nayan, a farmer from Anantapur village in Parshuram, said labour shortages had pushed wages up to Taka 1,500 per worker.

On the other hand, field-level officials said that in some areas, such as Sadar upazila, labour wages and irrigation costs remained largely stable.

Deputy Assistant Agricultural Officer Shipon Chowdhury said that 95 percent of Boro harvesting in Lemua union had already been completed without significant cost increases.

Deputy Director of DAE Md Atiq Ullah attributed the district’s bumper harvest to favourable weather, effective pest control and adherence to agricultural guidance. He highlighted the cultivation of high-yielding hybrid varieties, particularly Bari-108, which produced over 3.8 metric tonnes per hectare in some areas.

He added that the department continues to advise farmers on strategies to boost productivity amid rising costs.