Photo: BSS

BARISHAL, Sept 2, 2026 (BSS) - Paddy cultivation under the transplanted Aman and Aush varieties has exceeded the set targets in Barishal district this year, reflecting growing farmer interest in high-yielding varieties.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), extensive areas have been brought under Aman and Aush cultivation across the district's 10 upazilas and Barishal City Corporation area during the current season.

The target for Aman seedbeds was set at 8,590 hectares. Against this, progress has been recorded on 117,787 hectares of land in seedbed preparation and cultivation activities. Of the total, high-yielding variety (HYV) Aman has been cultivated on 62,187 hectares of land, while local varieties have been grown on 55,600 hectares.

DAE data showed that Aush has been cultivated on 3,017 hectares in the 10 upazilas and metropolitan area of Barishal. Of the total, 2,503 hectares were brought under HYV Aush and 514 hectares under local varieties.

Upazila-wise, HYV Aush was cultivated on 142 hectares in Barishal Sadar, 35 hectares in Babuganj, 30 hectares in Wazirpur, 588 hectares in Bakerganj, 210 hectares in Gouranadi, 65 hectares in Agailjhara, 228 hectares in Muladi, 525 hectares in Hizla, 1,155 hectares in Mehendiganj and 38 hectares in Banaripara. Another one hectare was cultivated under the variety in the metropolitan area.

Agriculture officials said HYV produces an average of up to 2.5 metric tonnes per hectare, while local varieties yield around 1.5 metric tonnes per hectare. Due to comparatively higher yields and better market prices, farmers are increasingly interested in cultivating HYV rice.

Jabbar Howlader, a farmer from Char Monai area of Barishal, said he cultivated more Aman paddy this year than last year because HYV rice gives a higher yield. "If the yield is good, farmers will be able to make a profit," he said.

Enayet Hossain, a farmer from Saheberhat, said farmers' interest in high yielding variety cultivation is increasing because of its better yield. Production could be increased further if farmers receive fertilizer, seeds and irrigation facilities on time, he added.

Deputy Director of Barishal DAE Mariam told BSS that the target for this year has been set at 66,340 hectares for HYV Aman and 58,860 hectares for local Aman varieties. So far, cultivation has been completed on 62,187 hectares and 55,600 hectares respectively.

She said farmers are being encouraged to use improved varieties of seeds. As HYV rice generally produces higher yields, farmers are showing increasing interest in cultivating the varieties. The agriculture department is providing farmers with necessary advice and technical support, she added.

Agriculture officials expressed hope that Aman and Aush production in Barishal will increase further this season if weather conditions remain favorable and pest and disease infestations remain under control.