Ishwardi (Pabna) Correspondent :
Demand for mustard oil is higher now than for soybeans. The cost of mustard cultivation is also low. Therefore, mustard cultivation has increased in Ishwardi due to higher profit at lower cost. Mustard cultivation is now noticeable in Salimpur, Dashuria, Pakshi, Sahapur, Muladuli, Sara and Laxmikunda Unions of Ishwardi.
This time mustard has bumper production in Ishwardi. Yellow flower ceremonies spread across the vast crop fields of different areas of the upazila. As the cultivation of mustard is good, the eyes of the farmers are full of joy.
According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, the target for mustard cultivation was set in 720 hectares of land in seven unions this time. But due to waterlogging, mustard has been planted in 650 hectares of land. Among the unions, mustard cultivation is more in Muladuli and Dashuria unions. Here farmers usually cultivate 6 varieties of mustard. High yielding mustard varieties include Bari-9, Bari-14, Bari-17, Bari-18, Bina-9 and Tori-6 varieties. Mustard will be harvested at the end of Magh and at the beginning of Falgun. The production cost of mustard is less than other crops. In addition, due to the increase in demand for mustard oil in the market over the past few years, farmers are gradually turning to mustard cultivation.
Visiting the crop fields in different areas, it is seen that the farmers are busy in caring for mustard. Farmer Shahidul Islam of Naodapara area of Dashuria has planted mustard in three and a half bighas of land. After harvesting Aman paddy, Magh, Falgun did not leave the land fallow for two months and planted mustard as a companion crop in that land. It can be extra income. In addition, mustard cultivation does not require much labor, the cost is also low. Now the price is also good, he said.
Haran Sheikh, a farmer in Muladuli, said the benefits of cultivating mustard on three bighas of land are more than any other crop. Bari-14 variety of mustard has been planted. Mustard trees have been very good. Looking at the field, it seems that there will be more production than last time.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Mita Sarkar said that mustard cultivation is gradually increasing in Ishwardi. He said the soil here is suitable for mustard cultivation like other crops, adding that farmers are getting better prices as demand for mustard oil has increased in the market. Due to this its cultivation is increasing day by day. Mustard cultivation takes less cost and effort than any other crop. Mustard can be harvested in less than three months. Mustard cultivation will be good this year as the weather is favorable. He said the cultivation of mustard has been gradually increasing over the last few years.
