The Aman cultivation season in Natore is signaling prosperity, as the district has exceeded its planting target this year. Against a target of 76,885 hectares, farmers have cultivated Aman paddy on 76,997 hectares of land—112 hectares more than planned, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).
Data from the DAE show that during the Kharif-2 season, the highest acreage was recorded in Singra upazila, where 23,600 hectares have been brought under Aman cultivation. Other major areas include Baraigram with 16,754 hectares, Natore Sadar with 10,610 hectares, Lalpur with 9,185 hectares, Bagatipara with 6,373 hectares, Gurudaspur with 6,780 hectares, and Naldanga with 3,695 hectares.
Of the total cultivated land, 70,646 hectares are planted with high-yielding varieties, 5,746 hectares with hybrid varieties, and 605 hectares with local varieties.
To encourage farmers, the DAE has established several demonstration farms. Under the government’s revenue sector, 202 farmers, and under the Rajshahi Agricultural Development Project, six farmers have received seeds and fertilizers for cultivating one bigha of land each. In addition, under a partner project, 16 farmers have set up demonstration farms on two acres of land each. These model farms allow local farmers to observe the cultivation processes of high-yielding varieties such as BRRI-90, BINA-26, and the newly developed BRRI-103.
A visit to the fields reveals vibrant landscapes of lush green paddy and ripening golden grains stretching across the horizon, signaling a season of abundance. Early varieties are already turning golden and will be ready for harvest within two weeks, while the later-planted crops in low-lying areas will take more time to mature. The agriculture department expects this season’s total yield to exceed 400,000 metric tons.
In the Bashila area near Halti Beel, farmer M. Ariful Islam cultivated Aman on five bighas of land this season, though three bighas were submerged by water. The remaining two bighas are growing high-yielding BRRI-75 and the traditional Jirashail variety.
Ahmedul Kabir, an ideal farmer from Mohanpur in Natore Sadar upazila, cultivated two bighas of hybrid and two bighas of Shampakatari paddy on higher land, which allowed him to start early cultivation. He expects to begin harvesting next week.
In the Chalan Beel region, known as the grain hub of Bangladesh, progressive farmer Zulfiqar Anam Tara of Kumira area in Singra upazila has cultivated Aman on 17 bighas of land, most of which are high-quality aromatic varieties. He said the paddy panicles are about to emerge and expressed optimism about achieving an excellent yield, citing favorable weather and growing conditions.
Singra Upazila Agriculture Officer Khondkar Farid Hasan said the agriculture department is working to ensure a productive harvest, with field-level officers providing hands-on guidance and support to farmers.
Natore’s Deputy Director of Agricultural Extension Md. Habibul Islam Khan told BSS that the expansion of improved seed varieties, their easy availability, and attractive paddy prices have encouraged farmers to increase Aman cultivation. “The agriculture department is closely monitoring the fields to ensure the expected yield, and we are hopeful of achieving a bumper harvest this season,” he added.
