Farmers gradually turn towards maize cultivation

Because the soil of Panchagarh is sandy and fertile, the cultivation of various crops including paddy, wheat, ground nut, jute and chili is grown more. But the farmers of this district have been cultivating maize for the past few years due to the high yield of maize produced from the land and at low cost.

In the early years, maize cultivation was more prevalent in the headquarters of Panchagarh, Deviganj and Boda upazilas. Due to the expansion of Atwari and Tetulia upazilas, maize is now cultivated in the whole district. This maize produced is going to different areas of the country.

According to sources of the District Agriculture Extension Department, maize has been cultivated in over 8,000 hectares of land in different areas of the district and the quantity of maize cultivation is increasing day by day. There is no need for irrigation and care in maize cultivation. Besides, many people are now turning to maize cultivation leaving rice cultivation as it yields less.

Shahidul Islam, a maize farmer in Deviganj Upazila, said, "I cultivate maize every year. Besides the yield, the price is good." So this year, I am cultivating maize on 2 bigha more land than last year. Hopefully it will yield well."

Meanwhile, Mina Rani, a farmer in Kaliaganj area of ​​Boda upazila of the district, said, "I am sowing seeds during the time of maize cultivation. We shifted to maize as we incurred loss in paddy cultivation."

The Deputy Director of the District Agriculture Extension Department, Abu Hanif, told barta24.com that, "Maize is cultivated every year in Panchagarh. As the farmers are benefited from the maize cultivation they are shifting towards this crop. We are also providing various suggestions and services from the Department of Agriculture."