Vast stretches of green sugarcane fields in Sirajganj are raising hopes of a bumper harvest this season, with farmers expecting higher production of the traditional jaggery industry despite attacks by pests and diseases.
Farmers are facing challenges from mealybugs, whiteflies and fungal infections, but continued monitoring and advice from agricultural officials have kept their optimism alive. Officials said favourable weather could help deliver a good yield and boost jaggery production across the district.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), sugarcane cultivation was targeted on 815 hectares in the district this season, while around 800 hectares have already been brought under cultivation.
Sugarcane has been grown in Sirajganj Sadar, Kamarkhand, Ullapara, Shahjadpur, Raigonj, Tarash, Belkuchi, Kazipur and Chauhali upazilas.
The Department of Agricultural Extension said sugarcane growth has been satisfactory in most fields, although some areas have reported attacks of mealybugs, whiteflies and fungal diseases. Farmers in affected areas are being advised to use approved pesticides and follow proper crop management practices.
Ullapara farmer Selim Reza said he cultivated sugarcane on four bighas of land this year.
“The growth was very good initially. Later, some plants were affected by mealybugs. After applying medicines following advice from agriculture officials, the situation has improved significantly,” he said.
Farmer Md Sharif Sheikh of Shahjadpur said some fields had been affected by whiteflies, but farmers were taking regular care of their crops.
“If sugarcane prices remain favourable, we expect good profits this year,” he said.
In Sirajganj, sugarcane is more than just an agricultural product. A large part of the rural economy depends on the crop, as most locally produced sugarcane is used to make jaggery.
During the sugarcane harvesting season, traditional jaggery-making furnaces become active in different parts of the district, creating employment opportunities for hundreds of workers. Farmers, labourers, transport workers and jaggery traders all depend on the crop for their livelihoods.
The agriculture department said a special incentive programme has been introduced for the first time this year to encourage sugarcane cultivation. Farmers are receiving technical support for improved varieties, modern farming methods and pest control.
Sirajganj DAE Deputy Director AKM Monjure Maula said mealybugs, whiteflies and fungal diseases had been detected in some areas but had not spread widely.
“The problems can be controlled through proper care and the use of approved pesticides. We are regularly advising farmers at field level. If the weather remains favourable, we expect the desired production this season,” he said.
The cultivation of the popular chewing variety ‘Rang Bilash’ has also increased in Sirajganj due to strong demand in local markets. Farmers are expecting better prices from this variety.
Farmers said ensuring fair prices along with effective pest control would encourage more people to cultivate sugarcane and help strengthen the district’s traditional jaggery industry.
Although pest attacks have created some concern, farmers and agriculture officials do not foresee major losses at this stage. With favourable weather, they hope the green fields will turn into a successful harvest and revive the traditional jaggery-making season in Sirajganj.
