Many farmers in Pirojpur are considering reducing Boro rice cultivation this season after suffering losses from low paddy prices last year and fearing higher production costs this year.
The trend of scaling back Boro cultivation is particularly evident in the wetland areas of Nazirpur upazila.
Abinash Mondal, a farmer from South Jhajhania village in Nazirpur, spent around Tk 36,000 on one bigha (52 decimals) of land last year and harvested 40 maunds. Yet, he suffered a loss.
“Selling the paddy did not even cover production costs. I cannot take the same risk again,” Abinash said.
Pradip Mondal, from the same village, plans to cultivate Boro on five bighas instead of eight this season. Abdus Salam, who cultivated four and a half bighas last year, plans to reduce his land by one and a half bighas.
Farmers said paddy previously sold for over Tk 1,100 per maund. To make a profit now, they need Tk 1,200 to Tk 1,300 per maund, whereas last year they received a maximum of Tk 850. Salam said he sold a 40 kg maund of paddy for around Tk 800 last year at a loss.
Farmers noted that costs will rise further this season due to higher prices of fuel oil and pesticides, alongside uncertainty over timely fertilizer supplies. Harvesting workers are charging around Tk 1,200 per day.
Farmers also questioned why wholesale buyers remain reluctant to purchase paddy even though rice prices are high. These financial calculations are driving the potential decline in Boro cultivation across Pirojpur.
Boro is the only annual crop in Nazirpur and other wetland regions of the district, contributing the largest share to Pirojpur’s total rice output. Farmers have begun preparing seedbeds, with planting expected to start in December.
Nazirpur Upazila Agriculture Officer Isratunnesa Isha acknowledged that farmers did not get expected prices last year, which could impact this season’s cultivation. She added that the agriculture department provides technical assistance, but setting market prices is outside its authority.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, Boro was cultivated on 12,600 hectares in Nazirpur last year, with this year’s target set at 12,500 hectares. Across Pirojpur district, 34,005 hectares were cultivated last year, with a target of 34,020 hectares for this season.
Although target figures remain largely unchanged on paper, farmers on the ground are speaking of reducing cultivation. Ensuring fair prices for paddy before planting begins could resolve their hesitation.
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