The cost of growing Irri-Boro rice has risen in Manikganj. Farmers say production costs are climbing because diesel, fertiliser, seed, seedlings, pesticide and labour have all become dearer.

According to the district Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the target this season was 48,895 hectares of Boro rice and 48,764 hectares were planted. In the 2023-24 fiscal year 48,895 hectares were planted, and in 2022-23, 48,775 hectares. Boro is grown in all seven upazilas of Manikganj, mainly BRRI dhan29, BRRI dhan58, BRRI dhan88, BRRI dhan89 and BRRI dhan92. BRRI dhan100 and BRRI dhan102 have been planted on some land on a trial basis. Because of the higher costs this year, farmers in the district have turned more towards other crops.

Farm wages have also risen. With pesticide, seed, fertiliser and diesel all dearer, farmers say they are spending Tk 2,500 to Tk 3,000 more per bigha than last year.

Somej Sikder of Nabagram said: "I have grown Irri rice for 10 years. Last year I planted four bighas; this year I have planted 3 bighas. Costs are a bit higher this year, so I cut back a little. I have no land of my own, so I have to rent other people's land before I can farm."

Rajib Hossain of Atigram told Jago News: "I help my father with farming alongside my studies. We did not make much money on any crop this year, so we could not grow much rice. Fertiliser, diesel and labour cost more. Seedlings that cost Tk 400 last year cost Tk 1,000-1,200 this year."

Arman Molla told Jago News: "I have planted rice on 6 bighas. Last year I planted 4 bighas and, after keeping enough rice for the family for the whole year, I made a good profit. This year each bigha has cost Tk 2,000-3,000 more."

DAE deputy director Dr Rabiah Nur Ahmed told Jago News that Boro planting in the district comes a little late. "This year's target was 48,895 hectares. But because costs are higher than last year, farmers have planted a little less Irri-Boro this year," he said.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.