KHULNA, Nov 6, 2025 (BSS) - The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Khulna has set a target to produce 9,49,602 metric tonnes of Robi crops during the 2025-2026 season from 1,08,851 hectares of land across Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat and Narail districts.

According to DAE officials, farmers have already brought about 51,167 hectares under cultivation, with planting that began on October 16 expected to continue through March 15 next year.

The major Robi crops being cultivated in the region include onion, garlic, chili, pulses, potatoes, pumpkin, mustard, and a variety of vegetables such as maize, wheat, groundnut, and capsicum. 

These crops are increasingly being grown on saline-resilient lands along the coastal belt, contributing to poverty reduction and improving livelihoods in the coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat.

During the previous 2024-25 Robi season, the region achieved a bumper output of 13.02 lakh tonnes of crops from 68,302 hectares of land, despite around 30,000 hectares being damaged by natural disasters.

"Farmers in Khulna agricultural region have started cultivating Robi crops, and the season will end in March next year," said Md Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of the DAE in Khulna.

He added that favourable weather conditions and proper irrigation are encouraging farmers to expect a good harvest this season. "Over two lakh families achieved self-reliance through Robi farming last year, improving their livelihoods with support from the DAE," he said.

To ensure better yields, Bangladesh Krishi Bank and other commercial banks have disbursed agricultural loans, while the government has distributed quality seeds and fertilizers among small and marginal farmers to promote Robi cultivation.

Farmers from Koyra and Paikgachha upazilas of Khulna including Nowab Ali, Sharif Gazi, Nuru Hawlader and Gobinda Das, told BSS that they have changed their fortunes by cultivating various crops on saline-resilient lands during the Robi season.

Farmer Halim Gazi of Deluti union in Paikgachha said many cultivators have planted mustard and other short-duration crops on the same land after harvesting Aman rice to increase cropping intensity and boost profits.