Transplanted Aman and Aus planting in Barishal district has exceeded this year's targets, the Department of Agricultural Extension reports. Across the ten upazilas and the city corporation area, Aman seedbeds and transplanting have reached 117,787 hectares — 62,187 hectares of high-yielding varieties and 55,600 of local varieties — with a further 2,705 hectares under vegetables.

Aus covers 3,017 hectares, 2,503 of them HYV and 514 local. By upazila, HYV Aus stands at 142 hectares in Sadar, 35 in Babuganj, 30 in Wazirpur, 588 in Bakerganj, 210 in Gournadi, 65 in Agailjhara, 228 in Muladi, 525 in Hizla, 1,155 in Mehendiganj and 38 in Banaripara, with one hectare in the metropolitan area.

Officials say HYV paddy yields up to about 2.5 tonnes a hectare on average against about 1.5 tonnes for local varieties, and the higher yield and price are drawing farmers to improved seed. Jabbar Howlader of Charmonai said he planted more Aman than last year because the HYV yields are higher; Enayet Hossain of Saheberhat said output could rise further if fertiliser, seed and irrigation arrive on time.

Mariam, deputy director of the department in Barishal, told BSS the targets were 66,340 hectares of HYV and 58,860 of local Aman, against which 62,187 and 55,600 hectares have been planted so far; farmers are being encouraged to use improved seed and are receiving advice and technical support. Officials expect Aman and Aus output to rise further this season if the weather holds and pests and disease stay under control.

Based on BSS's special report from Barishal. Source: BSS