Photo: BSS

DINAJPUR, April 16, 2026 (BSS) - Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Dinajpur has distributed agricultural incentives to 20,000 farmers in the district for the cultivation of jute and Aush paddy in the current fiscal year. 

The distribution, which was completed today, covers all 13 upazilas of the district.

Md. Afzal Hossain, Deputy Director DAE confirmed the completion of the incentive distribution to BSS at 2.30 pm on Thursday. 

The distribution included seeds and chemical fertilizers, provided as part of the Kharip-1 season's agricultural incentive program aimed at boosting the cultivation of jute and Aush paddy.

Under the programme, farmers who cultivate jute or Aush paddy on one bigha of land were eligible to receive incentives. The total distribution included 5 kg of Aush paddy seeds, 10 kg of DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) fertilizer and 10 kg of MOP (Muriate of Potash) fertilizer for 12,000 farmers.

For the 8,000 farmers engaged in jute cultivation, a total of 8 metric tons of improved jute seeds were distributed, alongside 30 metric tons of DAP and 30 metric tons of MOP fertilizers. 

Additionally, a total of 60 metric tons of improved Aush paddy seeds, including varieties such as BRRI Dhan-48 and BRRI Dhan-98, were provided.

The programme was inaugurated at Biral Upazila Agriculture Office, where Upazila Nirbahi Officer Zimran Mohammad Sayek officially launched the distribution. The event was chaired by Upazila Agriculture Officer Rumman Akhtar, and attended by agricultural officials, including Deputy Assistant Plant Protection Officer Shahjahan Ali, Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer ASM Hanif, Ruthmila Hamid Ritu and Chandan Adhikari.

The initiative is part of the government's ongoing efforts to support marginal farmers and improve agricultural production in the region. The distribution of these incentives is expected to significantly contribute to the increased cultivation of jute and Aush paddy, helping local farmers improve their productivity and livelihoods.