Mustard farmers expect bumper harvest at Dhamoirhat 

DHAMOIRHAT, NAOGAON, Jan 30: The border-adjacent fields of Dhamoirhat Upazila in Naogaon have turned vibrant yellow as mustard crops bloom, bringing optimism to local farmers.

Favourable weather conditions and the use of high-yield seeds have created expectations of a bumper harvest this season. Farmers hope that, if prices remain stable like last year, they will earn significant profits.

According to the Upazila Agriculture Extension Office, this Rabi season farmers targeted cultivation of 5,410 hectares of mustard, and so far, 5,420 hectares have already been sown. High-yield varieties, including BARI 14 and 17, along with BINA 4, 9, and 11, have been planted across most farms.
The combination of favourable weather, proper supervision, and timely guidance from the agriculture department has minimized crop diseases and pests. Mustard fields are now covered with yellow flowers, and in some early-planted areas, seeds are already forming.

Mohammad Atowar Hossain, a farmer from Belgharia Village, said he cultivated mustard on one-third of his land. "Last year I received a good price for mustard. The agriculture department provided seeds and fertilisers, and officials regularly monitored the crops," he said.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Taufiq Al Zubayer said, farmers have expanded cultivation after last year's profitable harvest. "We expect yields of 18 to 20 maunds per acre. Government support programmes, including distribution of free high-yield seeds and fertilisers, have encouraged local farmers," he added. This year, 4,200 farmers received one kilogram of high-yield seeds, 10 kg DAP, and 10 kg MOP fertilisers, while 45 farmers benefited from demonstration plots.

Rising edible oil prices have further motivated farmers to increase mustard cultivation. Some farmers are also harvesting honey from mustard flowers, aided by beehive boxes distributed by the agriculture department.

With favourable conditions, government support, and modern cultivation practices, mustard farming in Dhamoirhat is poised to benefit local farmers economically while contributing to rural development.