Farmers in Cox’s Bazar are expecting a plentiful harvest in the ongoing Boro season, but rising production costs and uncertainty over fair market prices are causing concern. Around 70 per cent of the paddy fields in the district have already ripened, and farmers are now fully engaged in harvesting.
Early harvesting has begun in the upazilas of Ramu, Chakaria, Ukhiya, and Teknaf. Despite the intense heat, farmers are working tirelessly to bring in the new crop. However, uncertainty over market prices has tempered their optimism.
The government has set procurement prices for the 2025–26 fiscal year at Tk 36 per kg for paddy, Tk 49 per kg for parboiled rice, and Tk 48 per kg for non-parboiled rice. Farmers, however, allege that they rarely receive these prices in practice.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, Boro cultivation has been carried out on 55,700 hectares of land in the district this year, slightly higher than last year. The average yield is estimated at 4.23 per cent, with a production target of 235,752 metric tonnes of rice. Favourable weather and intensive care are expected to push production beyond the target.
Field observations show farmers harvesting paddy under the scorching sun. Due to labour shortages and mechanical limitations, many are hiring workers from outside, with daily wages reaching around Tk1,000. In addition, delays in irrigation caused by diesel shortages have further increased production costs.
Farmer Chogir Ahmed from the Kul area of West Chakma said timely rainfall could have improved yields even further, but rising costs have left him uncertain about profits.
Another farmer, Jalal Ahmed from Kharulia, said he spent nearly Tk 30,000 cultivating Boro on two kani of land. Although the yield is excellent, higher expenses have made him anxious about returns.
While some farmers have benefited from the use of combine harvesters, fuel shortages have forced many machines out of operation, making them more dependent on manual labour. The district currently has 276 agricultural machines, including 59 combine harvesters.
Agricultural officials anticipate a bumper Boro harvest this year, provided that favourable weather persists and no natural disasters strike. However, farmers stress that ensuring fair prices in line with rising production costs is crucial for sustaining their livelihoods.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Hussain Shetu
