Photo: BSS

KHULNA, APRIL 01, 2026 (BSS) – The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set a target to produce 26.25 metric tonnes of soybean—the first such initiative in the Khulna region—on 17.5 hectares of land.

Farmers are also expecting a good yield of soybean this year.

This year, soybean is being cultivated on 14 hectares of land in Khulna and 3.5 hectares in Bagerhat. If favourable weather conditions continue, harvesting is expected to be completed by May.

Sources at the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in the Khulna region said the initiative has been taken for the first time under the leadership of its Additional Director Rafiqul Islam.

The crop is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to hundreds of people in the region, the sources added.

However, farmers expressed concern that some traders might form syndicates to control the soybean market, depriving them of fair prices. They said they would receive fair prices if the government procures soybean directly.

Debdas Sana, a farmer from Bainbaria village in Paikgachha upazila of Khulna, said, “We have cultivated soybean for the first time this year with inspiration from Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of the Khulna region.”

Talking to BSS, Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of DAE in the Khulna region, said this is the first time that a total of 17.5 hectares of land has been brought under soybean cultivation in the current season.

“The production target has been set at 26.25 tonnes. Farmers are showing growing interest in soybean cultivation as it is used for various purposes,” he added.