Aman cultivation nears completion in Chattogram after floods

Farmers in Chattogram have nearly completed Aman rice cultivation after surmounting disruption caused by floods, waterlogged fields and concerns over damaged seedbeds, with planting reaching almost 100% of the targeted acreage.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said 179,660 hectares of the targeted 179,980 hectares in the Chattogram region had already been planted. Meanwhile, light rains during the late monsoon helped newly transplanted seedlings recover, turning large stretches of farmland green. In Rangunia's Gumai Beel, one of the region's major agricultural areas, transplanting has already been completed, while farmers in Patiya and other southern Chattogram upazilas are applying fertiliser and removing weeds.

Favourable weather, the timely availability of seedlings, seeds and fertiliser, and government assistance to flood-affected farmers have helped sustain the momentum, DAE officials said. Moreover, Aman cultivation in Cox's Bazar has reached 99% of its target, while Feni has recorded 66,837 hectares against a target of 66,894 hectares.

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Notably, Lakshmipur has exceeded its target, reaching 117%, while cultivation in Noakhali has likewise surpassed the planned acreage. Officials attributed the progress to farmers' sustained interest, expectations of favourable rice prices and adequate supplies of seeds and seedlings.