Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Dec 26, 2025 (BSS) - Farmers across the Khulna agricultural region are nearing completion of Boro seedbeds, while planting of Boro saplings has begun with great enthusiasm as the season reaches its peak.

Md Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) for the Khulna region, said that as of December 21, 89 percent of the Boro seedbed preparation had been completed.

“Early planting of Boro seedlings in low-lying and coastal areas began in mid-December to allow farmers to complete the harvest before the next monsoon and prevent crop damage from early rains or flooding,” he said.

Till December 21, farmers had prepared Boro seedbeds on 12,322.5 hectares of land, achieving 89 percent of the target set so far, he added.

The DAE has set a record target of producing 1,81,54,217 tonnes of paddy from 2,64,719 hectares of land in the Khulna agricultural region this season.

Extensive measures have been undertaken to support farmers in the Boro cultivation programme during the current Rabi season, aiming to boost rice production.

The government is providing special incentives to encourage farmers to bring more land under Boro cultivation and ensure proper management of this major cereal crop.

Once Aman harvesting concludes in the first week of January, farmers in Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Narail districts are expected to devote full efforts to make the Boro cultivation programme a success.

The DAE, Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Rural Electrification Board, and agricultural banks are working together to supply fertilisers and reliable power for uninterrupted irrigation. Field-level DAE officials are also providing technical support and promoting the use of modern technology to help farmers achieve higher yields amid growing climate challenges.

Talking to BSS, Additional Deputy Director of the DAE and Senior Monitoring Officer Md Mosaddek Hossain said farmers achieve maximum yield when Boro seedlings are transplanted by the second week of February. 
He recommended using the alternate wetting and drying irrigation method and following proper agronomic practices to boost yield while reducing irrigation costs and conserving groundwater.

Farmers Moinul Islam, Abdus Salam, and Sabbir Hossain of Paikgachha upazila said they expect to complete Boro cultivation by January. Agriculturist Foyez Mina of Khulna DAE said, “Boro paddy production may exceed projections if favourable weather prevails in the coming months.”