More than half of Chuadanga’s cultivable land has come under maize cultivation this season, with farmers expecting bumper output and sales exceeding Tk1,665 crore as favourable weather boosts yields.
Officials said maize is being grown on 47,755 hectares out of the district’s 94,220 hectares of arable land.
Production is projected at 5,55,152 tonnes this season, compared with 520,872 tonnes from 47,352 hectares last year.
The estimated market value stands at about Tk1,665 crore 45 lakh, up from roughly Tk1,562 crore 61 lakh in the previous season.
Maize cultivation began on a limited scale in the district around two decades ago but has since expanded rapidly due to its profitability, turning into a major commercial crop and reducing reliance on imports.
Farmers begin planting from early November across the district’s four upazilas, with fields now stretching with maize as far as the eye can see.
Cultivation costs range between Tk15,000 and Tk20,000 per bigha, including fertiliser, seeds, pesticides and land preparation.
Yield per bigha averages between 35 and 40 maunds, fetching Tk40,000 to Tk45,000 at current market rates.
Hijolgari village farmer Rahim Sardar said traders often form syndicates that depress prices after a few market days, cutting into growers’ margins despite strong harvests.
Natipota village farmer Hayat Ali said the selling price remains low relative to production costs and urged the new government to break market syndicates so that farmers can receive fair returns.
Department of Agricultural Extension Chuadanga Deputy Director Masudur Rahman Sarkar said maize offers comparatively higher profits because of its short production cycle and lower cultivation costs.
He said favourable weather and minimal disease incidence this season are expected to further lift production.
