Photo: BSS

MANIKGANJ, June 20, 2026 (BSS) - The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) expects around 4,112 metric tonnes of sesame to be produced in Manikganj district during the current season from 4,150 hectares of cultivated land across its seven upazilas.

According to DAE sources, farmers in the district achieved a bumper sesame harvest last year, producing a substantial yield from 4,034 hectares of land.

The sources said favourable market prices and consistent good yields have encouraged farmers to expand sesame cultivation over the past several years.

Officials and farmers alike are optimistic about another bumper harvest this season, as favourable weather conditions have prevailed throughout the district.

Large stretches of sandy char lands in Daulatpur, Shibalaya and Harirampur upazilas, which had remained uncultivated for years, are now being brought under sesame cultivation. Farmers in these areas are benefiting significantly from the crop's growing profitability.

Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension Mohammad Shajahan Shiraj said farmers are increasingly interested in sesame cultivation because the char lands of the district are well-suited for the crop and growers are receiving fair prices for their produce.