Photo : Messenger
Despite dense fog, Nandigram's potato farmers in Bogura are diligently tending to their cultivation lands. This rabi season has seen a significant increase in potato cultivation, covering 942 hectares more than the previous year's efforts. The overall target for potato planting in the Bogura district, set at 55,250 hectares, indicates the potential for a bumper potato yield.
The Department of Agriculture sources reveal that the target for potato cultivation in five unions, including the municipal area, was 2365 hectares of land in the last Rabi season. However, this year's target has been ambitiously set at 3707 hectares, with farmers exceeding expectations by cultivating potatoes on an additional 942 hectares of land.
Last year's potato production target was 50 thousand metric tons, while this season's target has been raised to 81 thousand metric tons. Various local potato varieties, such as Cardinal, Diamond, Astic, Romana, and Pakdi, have been cultivated by farmers in Nandigram Upazila. Timely distribution of chemical fertilizers and free agricultural inputs by the government has enabled poor farmers to plant early potato varieties successfully.
In different villages of Nandigram Upazila, such as Bhatgram, Pota, Muradpur, and others, farmers are diligently caring for their potato fields. Deputy Assistant Agricultural Officers provide valuable advice to farmers at the field level. Golap Hossain from Birpali village, who experienced a bumper yield and double profit last time, has expanded his diamond potato cultivation from 50 to 80 bigha land. Other farmers express optimism about doubling their potato yield this year, provided no natural calamities or diseases affect their fields.
Potato growers in Gabtali Upazila, like Rezadul Haque Reza, highlight increased cultivation compared to the previous year. However, concerns about dense winter fog loom, as it may contribute to the spread of diseases in potato crops.
Shahidul Islam from Barpur, Bogura Sadar Upazila, shares similar concerns about the impact of thick winter fog on potato crops. Farmers emphasize the importance of favorable weather conditions for a successful potato yield.
Nandigram Upazila Agriculture Officer Gaziul Haque acknowledges the support provided to farmers for overall crop production. With 942 hectares more cultivated than last year, the upazila holds the promise of a bumper potato crop, contingent on favorable weather conditions.
Sohel Md. Shamsuddin Firoz, Deputy Director of the Regional Director's Office of Bogura Agricultural Extension Department, notes the longstanding efforts of district farmers in planting potatoes for a good yield and price. Despite setting a target of 55,250 hectares for potato planting this season, the district has surpassed expectations, and a bumper crop is anticipated, provided the weather remains favorable.
Messenger/Fameema
