Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Aug 19, 2026 (BSS) - Farmers have transplanted Aman rice seedlings on 1,09,298 hectares of land, or 38 percent of the cultivation target, in the Khulna agricultural region as frequent rainfall helps accelerate farm activities.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set a target to produce 8,56,974 tonnes of clean Aman rice, equivalent to 12,85,461 tonnes of paddy, from 2,89,859 hectares across Khulna, Bagerhat, Narail and Satkhira districts this season.

DAE Additional Director for Khulna Region Md Rafiqul Islam said farmers are expected to achieve the target as transplantation continues amid favorable weather.

"The Khulna region is playing an important role in meeting the country's food needs alongside fulfilling its own demand," he said.

Of the total target, 6,64,769 tonnes of high-yielding Aman rice are expected from 2,20,442 hectares, 1,15,925 tonnes of hybrid varieties from 30,216 hectares and 76,280 tonnes of local varieties from 39,201 hectares.

To support small and marginal farmers, the government distributed quality seeds and fertilizers as agricultural incentives. A total of 44,000 farmers received 220 tonnes of seeds, 440 tonnes of DAP and 440 tonnes of MOP fertilizers. Each beneficiary received 5 kg of seeds, 10 kg of DAP and 10 kg of MOP for one bigha of land.

The DAE has also taken steps to prepare seedbeds for late Aman varieties in highlands and floating seedbeds in low-lying areas to prevent seedling shortages during possible flooding.

"We have directed field-level agricultural officers to provide farmers with all necessary support and modern technology to ensure successful Aman cultivation," Rafiqul Islam said.

During a visit to Dacope upazila in Khulna on Wednesday, BSS found farmers busy transplanting Aman seedlings, preparing croplands, applying fertilizers and removing weeds despite heavy rain.

Farmers in Kalabogi, Sutarkhali and Pankhali villages said transplantation had gained momentum following frequent rainfall in recent weeks.

"We are expecting to achieve the fixed farming target of Aman rice this season," said farmer Shailendranath Biswas of Kalabogi.

Several farmers in Pankhali said they had already completed transplantation on their land, while farmer Mofizur Rahman of Sutarkhali said the Aman plants were growing well following the recent rains.