Here’s the English wire-style adaptation of the forwarded Rajshahi agriculture story:

 

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Headline

Golden Fields of Boro Rice Bring Hope — and Worry — to Rajshahi Farmers

 

Caption

Strong yields expected in Kumari Beel, but falling prices and fuel shortages cloud prospects.

 

Story

Rajshahi, Apr 18 (V7N ) — The Kumari Beel in Rajshahi has turned into a sea of green and gold as thousands of farmers prepare to harvest their long-awaited boro rice. With the fields swaying in the northern breeze, growers are hopeful of strong yields — yet many remain anxious about falling crop prices and rising costs.  

Farmers report that this season’s weather has been favorable, with fewer pests and diseases, timely irrigation, and steady electricity supply. Yields are expected to reach 25–30 maunds per bigha. But while production costs range from Tk 16,000–24,000 per bigha depending on ownership or lease, profits remain uncertain.  

“On my own land I may earn Tk 10,000–11,000 profit per bigha, but leased plots bring only Tk 4,000–5,000,” said farmer Faruk, who cultivated 22 kathas. Others echoed similar concerns, noting that straw prices could help offset risks if weather remains stable.  

Despite good harvest prospects, farmers lament that rice prices have dropped by Tk 400–500 per maund. They blame the Middle East war for fuel shortages, which have disrupted transport and kept traders away. “If the government doesn’t intervene, our crops will become a burden instead of a blessing,” one farmer warned.  

Local agricultural officers confirmed that disease outbreaks were minimal this season and expressed optimism about yields. Yet farmers fear that without fair prices, future cultivation may decline. “Boro is always a gamble,” said Nur Mohammad, a farmer and agricultural scientist. “This year nature favored us, but the market did not.”  

END/RAR/RH