JAMALPUR, Jan 14, 2024 (BSS) - Maize cultivation has been increasing

gradually in the district due to its excellent economic return in recent
years.

Farmers have brought extensive land under the maize cultivation here this
year which also exceeded the cultivation target.

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) office sources said farmers have
cultivated maize on 20,268 hectares of land this year which is 2,268 hectares
more than the last year's cultivation target.

As a result, farmers are expecting 2,17,070 tonnes maize this year, the DAE
sources added.

The office said farmers cultivated maize on 7,075 hectares of land in
Dewanganj upazila, 3,350 hectares in Bakshiganj, 2,918 hectares in
Sarishabari, 2,850 hectares in Madarganj, 2,050 hectares in Islampur, 1,230
hectares in Jamalpur sadar and 795 hectares in Melandah upazila of the
district.

Deputy Director of the DAE Zakia Sultana said we are encouraging farmers to
cultivate maize through various incentive programmes implemented by the
government.

Under the programmes, 6,300 small and marginal farmers got maize seed and
fertilizer free of cost in the district for cultivation maize on per bigha of
land, she added.

Mentionable, farmers got boost yield of maize and its fair price last year
which encouraged them to bring more land under the cultivation this year.