News Flash
BAGERHAT, Sept 1, 2025 (BSS) - About 32 percent of Aush paddy has so far been harvested in Bagerhat district this season, officials of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said.
According to DAE sources, Aush was cultivated on 3,937 hectares of land in six upazilas of the district with an estimated production of 11,496 metric tons.
Upazila-wise, 9 hectares of paddy were harvested in Bagerhat Sadar producing 41 metric tons, 177 hectares in Fakirhat producing 509.25 metric tons, 230 hectares in Mollahat producing 618 metric tons, 150 hectares in Kachua producing 415.8 metric tons, 206 hectares in Morelganj producing 554.4 metric tons, and 480 hectares in Sharankhola producing 1,537.5 metric tons. In total, 1,252 hectares have been harvested yielding 3,675.95 metric tons.
Farmer Sundar Ali of Kachua said they are facing a labour crisis as many local workers go to Faridpur and Gopalganj for higher wages. Farmers are paying Taka 650-700 daily plus meals to harvest Aush paddy.
Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer of Kachua Parikshit Joardar told BSS that farmers prefer Aush as it requires less irrigation and fertilizer, yet remains profitable since land can later be used for Aman and Boro.
Kachua Upazila Agriculture Officer Akash Bairagi said one hectare costs about Taka 55,000 to cultivate and is sold at around Taka 90,000 including straw, ensuring good profit.
Deputy Director of the DAE in Bagerhat Md Motahar Hossain said early rains reduced salinity in the soil this season, boosting yields. In 2024, 13,375 metric tons were produced on 4,827 hectares, while this year's production is expected to be 11,496 metric tons on less land.
He hoped for better harvests of rice and vegetables in the coming seasons as the government is providing free fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, and subsidies to farmers.
