Farmers across Faridpur’s Madhukhali are busy collecting transplanted Aman seedlings at various markets. The agriculture department expects that favorable weather and rainfall could push this season’s Aman cultivation beyond target in the upazila.
Among the upazila’s 11 unions and one municipality, farmers were seen crowding the two largest markets, Madhukhali Sadar and Kamarkhali, to buy Aman seedlings. At Madhukhali market on Monday, August 31, bundles of seedlings were seen selling for 250 to 500 taka each. A toll of 20 to 30 taka is also being collected per bundle of seedlings.
Samad Sheikh, a seedling seller at the market, said a large quantity of rice seedlings is arriving at the market. Farmers are buying seedlings according to their own preference and the suitability of their land.
Market toll collector Md Emon Sheikh said seedling supply at the market is good. Buying and selling of seedlings continues from morning to evening. Farmers show greater interest in good-quality seedlings.
Madhukhali upazila agriculture officer Md Mahabub Ilahi said various Aman varieties, including BRRI-87, BRRI-37, BRRI-75 and BINA-7, are typically transplanted from July through mid-September. Through early floating seedbeds and other methods, Aman seedlings have been transplanted on 8,680 hectares of land in the upazila as of the end of August.
He said the upazila has set a target of cultivating Aman on 8,760 hectares this year. Last season, cultivation covered 8,660 hectares.
Seedling transplantation remains possible throughout September. With current rainfall also providing the necessary water for fields, the agriculture department expects this season’s Aman cultivation could exceed its target.