Maize cultivation expands rapidly in Dinajpur

Farmers in Ghoraghat upazila of Dinajpur district have extensively cultivated maize due to its higher profitability compared to other crops like paddy, wheat, and potato.

Besides, to encourage maize production, the kmhb-410 variety has been planted on 800 bighas of land under government incentives.

In the current season, maize has been cultivated on 1,950 hectares across four unions of the upazila, including Ghoraghat Municipality. Farmers have grown various maize varieties this season, such as Kaveri 54, Alaska, Durjoy, Palawan, and Syngenta 7720. The Upazila Agriculture Department estimates a potential production of 22,136 tonnes of maize this year.

Anwar Hossain, a farmer from Bolgari village, noted that early varieties of maize have been grown on relatively elevated lands in the upazila. Due to high prices and demand, maize has also been cultivated in areas traditionally used for Boro paddy.

Ainul Haque, a farmer from Kulandpur village in Bulakipur union, shared that he cultivated maize on 15 bighas of land this year, as it is more profitable than other crops. Additionally, the maize plants can be used as fuel.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Rafiquzzaman highlighted the benefits of maize production, stating that it can be used for fish and poultry feed, as well as fuel. As a result, interest in maize cultivation is increasing among local farmers. The agriculture department has supported this initiative by providing farmers with free fertilizers and seeds.