Maize production reduces poverty in Rangpur region

Maize cultivation is increasing every year in all five districts under Rangpur agriculture region, as the char people are earning huge profits to cut poverty and lead better life.

The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) has fixed a target of producing over 0.81 million tonnes of maize from 92,705 hectares of land in the region during this Rabi season, reports BSS.

Horticulture Specialist Khondker Md Mesbahul Islam said the farmers are showing keen interest in maize cultivation after getting repeated bumper productions with lucrative price in recent years.

He said the farmers have already sowed seed in 5,503 hectares of land in Rangpur, 9,800 hectares in Gaibandha, 6,120 hectares in Kurigram, 21,855 hectares in Lalmonirhat.

The enthusiastic farmers have so far brought 53,813 hectares of land or 58.05 per cent of the targeted land area under maize cultivation as sowing seed continues in full swing now in the region, officials said.

Deputy Director of the DAE at the regional office Md Moniruzzaman said the fixed target for maize farming might be exceeded in the region as the farmers are bringing more and more land under farming of the profitable cereal crop this time.

Dinajpur Hub Coordinator of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center Agronomist Anarul Haque said the farmers are being encouraged in maize farming after getting various government incentives.

He put emphasis on popularising cultivation of low-irrigation water consuming cereal crops like maize to gradually reduce Boro farming for saving huge underground water to ensure food security side by side with improving environment.

Regional Additional Director of DAE Md Shah Alam said maize cultivation has already become popular among the farmers and poorer section people of both mainland and char areas also improving their livelihoods.