Boro harvest in full swing in Gafargaon
Paddy harvesting has begun in most areas of Gafargaon Upazila in Mymensingh since the start of Baishakh. The air in Gafargaon is now filled with the aroma of ripe paddy.
Farmers are busy harvesting and threshing Boro paddy from morning to evening. After threshing, newly harvested rice is stored in bundles. Harvesting and threshing are expected to begin everywhere within the next week.
According to the office of Upazila Agriculture Officer Agriculturist Shakura Nammi, the target area for Boro cultivation in 1 municipality and 15 unions of the upazila this season was 20,950 hectares. Of this, hybrid varieties covered 2,510 hectares and HYV (Ufshi) covered 18,440 hectares. However, the target has been exceeded.
Harvesting has already begun in early-planted areas, while paddy in the remaining fields is now fully ripe and swaying in the wind.
The Agriculture Department said this good production was achieved due to the absence of major pest attacks and farmers’ improved use of balanced fertilizers.
However, Kalboishakhi storms and hail have damaged crops in several areas, including Niguari and Paithal.
Farmers say a good harvest has been observed across most fields. Wherever one looks, golden Boro paddy waves like forgotten gold. Many have already started harvesting in a festive mood.
Farmers Anis Uddin (55), Sujan Mia (29), Enamul Haque (43), and Faruk Mia (46) from Bagbari village in Longair Union, who were harvesting rice in the field, said, “This year the yield is higher than last year. If rice prices fall, we will suffer losses; if prices rise, farmers will benefit.”
However, they also mentioned a slight shortage of labor in the area, which is making it difficult to harvest paddy from all fields on time.
Rasel Mia, a farmer from Longair village, said he has achieved a bumper Boro harvest this year. Farmers Enamul Islam from Chhayani Rasulpur village, Lutfar Rahman from Kadam Rasulpur village, and Mahbubul Alam from Rasulpur village also said the yield has been very good. However, due to excessive heat, they are facing difficulties in bringing the harvested paddy home.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Agriculturist Shakura Nammi said that if farmers become more aware of scientific Boro cultivation methods, higher yields can be achieved at lower costs.
This year, Boro production has been quite good overall, although some areas have suffered damage due to storms and hail. Even so, she added, the farmer smiles when the hard-earned golden crop fills the granary.
The golden smile of ripe paddy now spreads across the fields. At this time in mid-Baishakh, the bright sun makes the golden fields shine, although recently the southern part of Gafargaon suffered some damage due to hailstorms and Kalboishakhi storms.
