Photo : TDM
Maize farmers in the Lalmonirhat district of Bangladesh are facing severe difficulties due to low prices of their crops, despite cultivating more land this year. Last year, the price of maize was between Tk 1,200 and Tk 1,300 per mound, but now it has dropped to Tk 650 , leaving farmers struggling to break even. Farmers in the area have been calling on the government to establish maize processing centers in the district to help them add value to their crops and command better prices. They have also expressed concerns about rising costs of labor and inputs like fertilizer and pesticides.
The Lalmonirhat district is located on the northern border of Bangladesh and has historically been economically underdeveloped, with mostly sandy and alkaline soil. However, an association called Sheikh Sundar Krishak Samiti started experimenting with maize cultivation in the area in 1992 and gradually increased their yields over time. Today, 100% of the land in the area is being used for maize cultivation. Maize has helped to bring cash into the hands of farmers and improve their standard of living.
The government has recognized the potential of maize cultivation in Lalmonirhat and aims to produce more than 400,000 metric tons of maize this year. However, farmers are still struggling to make ends meet due to low prices. The district agriculture extension department reports that 70% of the maize has already been harvested this year, with a yield of 4.6 tons per hectare, compared to 10.4 tons per hectare last year.
To address the farmers' concerns, the government is considering setting up a maize processing center in the district, which would help to increase the value of the crop and generate better prices for farmers. The district commissioner, Mohammad Ullah, has stated that a proposal has already been put forward to focus on maize production and processing in the district.
In addition to establishing processing centers, the government may also consider other measures to support maize farmers, such as subsidies for inputs like fertilizer and pesticides, and providing better access to credit and markets. The Lalmonirhat district has demonstrated the potential for agricultural development, and with the right support, farmers could continue to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development.
TDM/SD
