The coastal dunes of Dariyanagar in Cox’s Bazar are now painted in lush green, as vast fields of corn thrive against the backdrop of the sea. A visit to the area reveals rows of vibrant corn plants stretching across the sandy terrain. At the same time, fishing boats dot the horizon just a short distance away—creating a stunning blend of nature and livelihood that captivates onlookers.
Local farmers are optimistic about a bumper corn harvest this year. Despite the region’s salinity, corn cultivation has consistently yielded excellent results. Due to its higher productivity and lower costs than rice or wheat, more farmers are shifting their focus toward maize cultivation.
Already, the fields are blanketed in green, with corn flowers swaying in the breeze—symbolizing the dreams of hardworking farmers. According to them, cultivating corn costs significantly less than rice, yet the yield is almost double. On average, the cost of growing corn per bigha (approximately 0.33 acres) ranges between Tk 8,000 and Tk 9,000, making it an economically viable option for many in the region.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
