Bhurungamari Correspondent:
Corn has been cultivated on a record amount of land in Bhurungamari Upazila of Kurigram, known as the grain storehouse of the northern districts. Favorable weather and the use of modern agricultural technology are giving farmers dreams of bumper yields. The Agriculture Department and those concerned are hoping that the farmers will benefit well due to the high yield at low cost.
It has been seen on the ground that corn has been cultivated on vast lands in various areas of the upazila, including Islampur, Paikerchhara, Pathardubi, and Sonahat. Green corn fields are swaying in the wind all around, and farmers are dreaming of a good harvest.
According to the information of the Upazila Agriculture Department, last year it was 1100 hectares. This year's target was 1125 hectares. That target has already been achieved, which is expected to increase further. Maize cultivation has spread widely in Bhurungamari in just four to five years.
Rafiqul Islam, a farmer from Islampur area, said, "Previously, other crops were grown on these lands, but now corn is being cultivated more. Its production cost is comparatively low, and it always fetches a good price in the market. That is why many farmers are now leaning towards corn cultivation."
Barkat, a farmer from Paikerchhara area, said, "Corn is a four-month crop. The seeds have to be sown in early December. It costs about 11,000 taka to cultivate one bigha of land, of which 2,000 taka is for seeds, 6,000 taka for land cultivation, fertilizer, irrigation and pesticides, and 3,000 taka for labor. If you get a good price in the market, you can earn up to 20,000 taka from each bigha, which creates an opportunity for big profits in a short time."
Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdul Jabbar said, "This year, corn cultivation has increased compared to last year. We are expecting a bumper harvest. Farmers are being provided with assistance and advice in producing high-yielding corn at low cost, so that they can get maximum profit."
Farmers in the upazila are now waiting for a bumper harvest. They hope to make a good profit from corn cultivation this year if the market price is good.
Md. Meshbahul Alam
01748129746
06/02/2025
