BSS, Joypurhat :
Chilli farmers of the district are happy as they are getting fair price from the sale of their products in local markets.
Due to favourable weather and timely supply of necessary agro-inputs, the farmers have achieved remarkable output of chilli. As a result, a good number of farmers have become self-reliant and changed their lot through cultivating chilli in the current season.
Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) sources said chilli was cultivated on 173 hectares of land in the district this year with a production target of 319 tonnes. Of the land, 50 hectares are in Sadar upazila, 50 hectares in Panchbibi, 30 hectares in Akkelpur, 20 hectares in Kalai and 15 hectares in Khetlal upazila.
Farmer Abdul Mozid of Bishnupur village under sadar upazila said, “I have cultivated chilli on one hectare of my land and got 30 maunds of production from the land.”
Less production cost compared to the other crops is one of the main reasons behind the crop’s popularity among growers, sources said.
Sources said, at present per kg of chilli is being sold at Taka 80 to 100 in different markets of the district. Farmers are happy for chillis market prices.
Deputy Director of DAE AZM Sabbir Ebne Zahan said the farmers were provided with high quality adequate seeds and training to achieve the production target.
Many farmers alleged that due to lack of proper marketing policy the intermediaries or wholesalers are making extra profits depriving them of the fair price. They urged the government to take proper steps for marketing chilli for the sake of the farmers.
