Photo: BSS

KHULNA, May 12, 2026 (BSS) - A massive effort is underway to harvest Boro paddy across four districts of the Khulna region as farmers race against seasonal disasters and unpredictable weather to secure their crops.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Khulna region, the production target for Boro paddy —including hybrid, Ufshi, and local varieties—for the 2025–26 fiscal year has been fixed at 18,15,424 metric tonnes from 2,64,719 hectares of land. 

The potential market value of the expected production has been estimated at around Tk 6,535 crore, based on the government procurement price of Taka 36 per kilogram.

Officials said nearly 81 percent of the Boro paddy has already been harvested across the region despite adverse weather conditions, particularly heavy rainfall in some areas.

The DAE sources said cultivation has exceeded the original target, with Boro paddy cultivated on 2,66,993 hectares—2,274 hectares more than planned. Of the total cultivated area, Khulna district accounts for 65,778 hectares, Bagerhat 68,171 hectares, Satkhira 82,735 hectares and Narail 50,309 hectares of land.

District-wise production targets have been set at 4,72,590 metric tonnes in Khulna, 4,85,358 metric tonnes in Bagerhat, 5,12,165 metric tonnes in Satkhira and 3,45,312 metric tonnes in Narail.

Farmers across the region are working tirelessly in fields and homesteads to bring in the harvest before further weather disruptions occur. Agricultural officials are also providing round-the-clock support and advice to accelerate harvesting activities.

Dighalia Upazila Agriculture Officer Agriculturist Kishore Ahmed said the upazila achieved cultivation on 4,876 hectares against a target of 4,885 hectares, while 92 percent of the paddy has already been harvested.

In Satkhira Sadar upazila, Agriculture Officer Md Monir Hossain said cultivation exceeded the target slightly, reaching 23,310 hectares against the target of 23,285 hectares. Around 82 percent of harvesting has already been completed.

“We are advising farmers to harvest their crops quickly as the rainy season has already begun,” he said.

In Bagerhat’s Kachua upazila, Agriculture Officer Akash Bairagi said 85 percent of harvesting has been completed. However, heavy rains damaged crops on 10 hectares of land, affecting around 72 farmers and causing losses estimated at Taka 11.36 lakh.

“We are preparing a list of affected farmers. If government assistance is allocated, it will be distributed among them,” he added.

Morelganj Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Saiful Islam said 70 percent of harvesting has been completed there, while 50 percent in Sharankhola upazila.

 Additional Director of DAE Khulna region Md Rafiqul Islam said the overall harvesting situation remains encouraging despite localized damage from rainfall.

“Unless a major natural disaster occurs, the remaining paddy will be harvested successfully and brought home soon,” he said.

He expressed hope that the Boro production in the Khulna region would play a significant role in ensuring the country’s food security and strengthening the national economy.