Photo : BSS

KHULNA , July 16, 2025 (BSS) - The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has fixed a target of transplanting Aman rice seedlings on 17,107 hectares of land in the Khulna agricultural region during the current season.

According to the DAE, the targeted area includes 12,379 hectares for high-yielding varieties, 1,587 hectares for hybrid varieties, and 3,141 hectares for local varieties of Aman rice.

Farmers in all four districts under the Khulna agricultural region have already started transplanting Aman rice seedlings, and the process is expected to gain momentum by the first week of August.

DAE officials said the government has set a target of producing 8,81,971 tonnes of clean Aman rice from 2,98,635 hectares of land in the region this season.

The production target includes 6,74,064 tonnes of high-yielding varieties of Aman rice from 2,21,134 hectares of land, 1,19,661 tonnes from 30,912 hectares of hybrid varieties, and 88,246 tonnes from 46,589 hectares of local varieties.

In the previous season, farmers produced 8,71,940 tonnes of clean Aman rice by cultivating the crop on 2,99,802 hectares of land in the region.

Meanwhile, farmers have already prepared Aman rice seedbeds on 1,201 hectares of land against the target of cultivating the crop on 2,98,635 hectares.

"Farmers have already transplanted Aman rice seedlings on 4,830.5 hectares of land till July 16," said Md. Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of the DAE for Khulna region.

The interim government has taken special initiatives to ensure balanced fertilization and the adoption of improved technologies to increase rice production, despite the gradual reduction of cultivable land.

The DAE is also continuing the distribution of high-quality Aman rice seeds and fertilizers among small and marginal farmers as incentives to assist them in cultivating the crop.

In addition, steps have been taken to prepare seedbeds of late varieties of Aman rice on highlands and floating seedbeds in low-lying areas to prevent any possible crisis of seedlings during floods.

To ensure timely planting of Aman rice seedlings in case of low rainfall or drought, the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) will keep irrigation pumps ready across the region.

"DAE officials are providing necessary assistance, training, and the latest technologies to farmers to ensure the successful cultivation of Aman rice," Rafiqul Islam said.

"Enthusiastic farmers are now transplanting Aman seedlings while simultaneously preparing croplands for plantation, as favorable climatic conditions prevail across the region," he added.