BRAHMANBARIA — A field of yellow mustard swaying in the breeze brings a different kind of peace to the mind. Winding rural pathways pass through the yellow fields. The scenic natural beauty enchants any nature lover. Anyone can be charmed by the yellow hue spreading to the horizon across the harvest fields.
In Brahmanbaria’s Nabinagar, Banchharampur and Bijoynagar, the mustard celebration is in full swing across the horizon-stretching harvest fields. The fragrance of mustard blossoms scattered across the landscape draws everyone in. Such scenic views across the upazila are now catching everyone’s eye. Eyes naturally linger on the captivating yellow hue against the green. Mustard flowers in full bloom have filled the fields. And the yellow mustard blooms are coloring the farmers’ dreams. Favorable weather, demand and guidance from the local agriculture office have boosted farmer interest in mustard cultivation in this region.
Last year, the market value of mustard produced in the upazila was about 4 crore 33 lakh 50 thousand taka. This year, although farmer interest in cultivation has grown, production has fallen slightly. The agriculture office said the cause is gradual filling of farmland with sand, which has reduced arable land. However, based on production and targets, the market value of mustard in this upazila this fiscal year is expected to reach about 4 crore 25 lakh taka, the agriculture office said. Last year, mustard sold for between 3,000 and 3,500 taka per maund.
At one time, only rice was cultivated on farmland in the upazila. Between rice crops, farmland would lie fallow. But now, after the rice harvest, farmers are using the land to grow mustard, wheat, corn, sunflower and onions. Interest in growing these crops on fallow land has also grown among farmers.
Mohammad Ismail Munshi, assistant agriculture officer of the upazila agriculture extension department, said cultivation costs about 2,500 to 3,000 taka per bigha. With a good yield, farmers profit 10,000 to 12,000 taka per bigha. A small amount of pesticide must be used to protect mustard fields from pest attacks. With a good yield, farmers can get 5 to 6 maunds of mustard per bigha. However, heavy fog can damage mustard fields.
Last year, mustard sold for between 3,000 and 3,500 taka per maund. He expects the same price this year.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report