File photo.

MANIKGANJ, March 13, 2025 (BSS) - The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) is expecting a bumper production of maize in the district as the cultivation target exceeded a large scale in all seven upazilas of the district during the current season.
 
According to the DAE, farmers cultivated maize on 21,365 hectares of land, exceeding the fixed target of 17,032 hectares.

The DAE has fixed a target to cultivate maize on 17,032 hectares of land with a production target of 1,65,721 metric tons of maize. But finally, maize was cultivated on 21,365 hectares of land in the district.

Maize cultivation is gaining popularity day by day in all seven upazilas of the district. The target is exceeded every year. Maize is being cultivated on a large scale on char land.
 
Maize is now one of the most cultivated cash crops in the district. The easy cultivation process, less irrigation, and high demand in the markets are the main reasons for the popularity of maize cultivation, the DAE sources said.
 
The multipurpose use of maize is also one of the reasons behind maize cultivation. The maize is sold in the market year-round. The green leaves of maize are used as cattle fodder. The sticks of maize are also used as firewood in rural areas.

Mohammad Ali, one of the maize cultivators in Shridharnagar village under Ghior upazila, said he has cultivated maize on five bighas of land this year. After harvesting maize for the first time, he is willing to cultivate maize on the same land for the second time.

Most of the maize cultivators, like Mohammad Ali, cultivate maize twice on the same land.

The farmers are getting maximum production and reasonable market prices for their products. They are getting all kinds of agri-inputs like seeds, fertilizers at proper time.

The harvesting of maize will be started soon, the cultivators' sources said.

Deputy Director of DAE Dr. Robiah Noor Ahmed said the cultivation of maize is gaining popularity in the district due to its multipurpose uses and the demand for the crop throughout the year.