Farmers in Nandigram upazila of Bogura district are celebrating an agricultural breakthrough as the adoption of no-till, relay sowing methods for mustard cultivation is yielding impressive results.
This innovative approach, promoted by the local agricultural department, involves sowing BARI 14 mustard seeds directly into standing paddy fields 8–10 days before the harvest. The method, which minimizes land preparation and reduces costs, is now being widely embraced by local farmers.
According to officials, the technique—requiring only 1 kilogram of mustard seed per bigha—has enabled farmers to harvest their mustard crop earlier and at higher yields.
“Initially, I was skeptical about the yield potential,” said saider Rahman, a farmer from Bhatgram Union. “But after using the no till method, not only did I achieve a higher yield, I also secured a better price in the market.” His success story has inspired neighboring farmers to consider expanding the practice in upcoming seasons.
During field visits, Deputy Director Motlubor Rahman of the Bogura District Agricultural Extension Department explained that the relay sowing method is particularly effective in fields with dry or uneven soil moisture conditions.
“By sowing mustard before the paddy is fully harvested, we ensure that the subsequent boro rice crop is planted on time. This method even allows for the possibility of three crops per year instead of the usual two,” he noted.
The benefits of this cultivation practice extend beyond yield improvements. Mustard oil, known for its medicinal properties, and the residual organic matter from mustard plants contribute to soil fertility, thereby reducing the need for additional fertilizers.
With lower input costs and the advantage of early harvests, farmers are now positioned to maximize profits while supporting sustainable farming practices.
Adding to the positive outlook, a vibrant mustard market has emerged in Nandigram.
Held every Tuesday, the newly established market has quickly become a hub for buyers and sellers from across the region.
The market’s proximity to many farmers’ homes has helped cut transportation costs and streamline the trading process.
Mustard trader Rezaul Karim mentioned that he purchased 60 mon of mustard at the market, while another trader, Saiful, reported buying 100 mon.
“Currently, depending on the mustard variety, prices range between 250 BDT (about $2.06) and 280 BDT (about $2.31) per mon,” he explained.
Local market enthusiasm is further reflected in the words of seasoned grower Fazlar Rahaman, who anticipates that while early sales secure a profit, holding back a portion of his harvest may yield even higher prices later.
“Our market is responding well to the bumper yields, and we’re optimistic that prices will improve if we wait a few days,” he said.
In addition to these local developments, broader reports from Bogura district highlight an overall surge in mustard cultivation.
Fields across several upazilas—including Kahaloo, Adamdighi, Dupchanchia, and Sherpur—are lush with yellow mustard blossoms, promising a season of plentiful harvests.
Favorable weather conditions and efficient farming practices have led to increased acreage beyond the initially targeted 8,000 hectares in Nandigram.
Despite a slight reduction in the total area cultivated district wide compared to previous seasons, officials remain confident that the combination of advanced techniques and high market demand will secure robust production figures.
Cost efficiencies are also notable. In parts of Kahaloo’s Birprotapa village, farmers report that cultivation expenses have dropped to between 5,000 BDT (around $41) and 6,000 BDT (approximately $50) per bigha.
Such savings, coupled with the increased yield, are making mustard cultivation an attractive alternative to other crops, especially given the growing demand for edible oils.
The success in Nandigram serves as a promising model for sustainable agriculture in the region. With improved practices leading to early harvests and competitive market prices, local farmers are not only enhancing their incomes but also contributing to the long term viability of Bangladesh’s agricultural sector.
As the season unfolds, both market traders and farmers remain upbeat about the potential for sustained growth and profitability in mustard cultivation.
[…] Innovative No-Till Cultivation Spurs Bumper Mustard Yields and a Booming Market in Nandigram, Bogra […]