Rajshahi, Sept 6 (V7N) – Farmers in the Barendra region of Rajshahi are expressing mixed feelings this season, as a good Aus rice harvest has been overshadowed by disappointing market prices. Farmers report yields of 14 to 15 maunds per bigha, but the selling price is insufficient to cover production costs, leaving them frustrated.

According to the District Agricultural Extension Office, a total of 55,500 hectares in the region have been planted with Aus rice this season. The BRI-48 variety is the most widely cultivated, followed by BRI-28, 56, 65, 82, 85, BRI-21, Bina-19, Parija, and Jirashail.

Field visits to various areas of the district reveal that farmers are busy harvesting, threshing, and selling rice, yet many remain disheartened by the low prices. Farmers attribute the issue to business syndicates manipulating the market, preventing them from earning fair compensation for their labor and production costs.

Markets are reportedly buying rice at TK 800, 850, and 900 per maund, far below the Tk 1,200 to 1,300 per maund that farmers say would yield a reasonable profit. Farmers are urging the government to intervene and ensure fair pricing by breaking the syndicate-controlled market. Traders, however, argue that some reduction in price is due to slightly wet rice affecting quality.

District Agriculture Department data indicates the following Aus rice cultivation areas: Naogaon Sadar – 3,695 hectares; Raninagar – 1,150 hectares; Atrai – 1,720 hectares; Badalgachhi – 1,560 hectares; Mahadebpur – 13,110 hectares; Porsha – 910 hectares; Patnitala – 6,850 hectares; Dhamoirhat – 2,280 hectares; Manda – 14,310 hectares; Sapahar – 795 hectares; and Niamatpur – 9,120 hectares.

Despite a promising harvest, the combination of production costs and low market prices continues to place financial pressure on farmers, raising concerns about sustainable agricultural income in the region.

END/MRA/SMA/