Aman paddy -Photo: BSS

By Farazi Ahmed Rafiq Babon

NATORE, Oct 23, 2025 (BSS) - The Aman season in Natore is showing signs of prosperity this year, as cultivation has exceeded the target set by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).

Aman paddy has been planted on 76,997 hectares of land, surpassing the target of 76,885 hectares - an increase of 112 hectares beyond the goal.

According to the DAE, the highest cultivation has been recorded in Singra Upazila, where Aman paddy has been planted on 23,600 hectares of land. The distribution of cultivation across other upazilas is as follows: 16,754 hectares in Baraigram, 10,610 hectares in Natore Sadar, 9,185 hectares in Lalpur, 6,780 hectares in Gurudaspur, 6,373 hectares in Bagatipara, and 3,695 hectares in Naldanga.

Among the total cultivated land, high-yielding varieties (HYVs) have been planted on 70,646 hectares, hybrid varieties on 5,746 hectares, and local varieties on 605 hectares.

To encourage farmers, the Agriculture Department has set up demonstration plots by providing seeds and fertilizers to 202 farmers under the revenue sector and six farmers under the Rajshahi Agricultural Development Project - each cultivating one bigha of land. 

Additionally, 16 farmers under the Partner Project have established demonstration plots on two acres of land. These initiatives have not only benefited the participating farmers but have also allowed surrounding farmers to observe the cultivation process of newly developed high-yielding rice varieties Bri-90, Bina-26, and Bri-103.

Across the district, the landscape is turning into a mosaic of green and golden fields. On both sides of the roads and in the low-lying beels, lush green rice plants and ripening golden paddies stretch to the horizon - signaling abundance. 

Early varieties are already turning golden and will be ready for harvest within two weeks, while late-planted fields in the beel areas are expected to be harvested slightly later.

The Agriculture Department anticipates that total Aman rice production may exceed four lakh tons this season.

Local farmers are optimistic: 

M. Ariful Islam, a farmer from Bashila area near Halti Beel, cultivated Aman on five bighas of land. Although three bighas were submerged and damaged by flooding, the remaining two bighas - planted with Bri-75 and local Jirashail varieties - are doing well.

Ahmedul Kabir, an exemplary farmer from Mohanpur in Natore Sadar Upazila, cultivated hybrid paddy on two bighas and Shampakatari on another two. Thanks to higher ground, he managed to plant early and expects to begin harvesting next week.

In Singra Upazila, part of the grain-rich Chalan Beel area, farmer Zulfikar Anam has cultivated Aman on seventeen bighas of land in Kumira area, mostly high-quality fragrant rice. 

He said the plants are about to sprout and expressed optimism about favorable weather and a strong yield this season.

Singra Upazila Agriculture Officer Khandaker Farid Hasan said the Agriculture Department is working to ensure a rich harvest, with Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officers regularly visiting the fields and advising farmers.

Natore Agriculture Extension Department Deputy Director Md. Habibul Islam Khan told BSS that farmers have expanded Aman cultivation due to the availability of improved seeds, easy access to inputs, and favorable rice prices.

He added, "The Agriculture Department is monitoring the fields regularly to ensure the expected yield. Hopefully, this year's production will exceed expectations."