The fields of Manikganj's seven upazilas now glow yellow. As far as the eye can see there is nothing but yellow, as if a yellow carpet had been spread across the land, and the mustard fields hum with bees. Farmers in Manikganj have grown mustard on more land this season than last year.

According to the Manikganj district Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), mustard was grown on 63,002 hectares in the district's seven upazilas last year. This season the area has risen to 63,530 hectares.

Agriculture officials say favourable weather, improved seed varieties and modern farming methods have increased farmers' interest in mustard. As a short-duration, relatively low-cost crop, mustard is now seen as a profitable option for farmers.

Local farmers say mustard carries less risk than other crops and demand for it in the market is relatively stable, which is why they are turning to it.

Abdul Alim, a farmer from Nabagram in the Sadar upazila, told Jagonews: "This year I grew mustard on 66 decimals. The area has increased compared with last year, and the crop is good. Last year I grew mustard on 22 decimals; if the yield is good this time the profit could be several times what I made then."

Haji Kamal Sheikh, a farmer from Sarupai village, told Jagonews that the yield depends partly on the cold of the month of Magh. Extreme cold and falling temperatures risk damaging mustard. His field is full of yellow flowers, and he hopes to make up at least some of his flood losses by selling mustard. But there has been severe cold for a few days, and fog at this time could do some damage to the mustard fields, he said.

Shakil Hossain, a farmer from Helachia village, told Jagonews he has grown mustard on 5 bighas this year. Mustard takes less time and costs less than other crops, he said, and he hopes for a good yield and some profit.

Shahjahan Siraj, deputy director of the Manikganj DAE, told Jagonews: "Mustard cultivation has increased in Manikganj this year because of favourable weather, the use of improved seed varieties and agriculture officers' advice on modern methods. We have been able to meet our target, and we hope production will exceed its target. The current cold and fog pose no risk of significant damage to mustard."

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