Moheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar’s only hilly island upazila, is witnessing a vibrant surge of agricultural activity as farmers across the area engage in large-scale Boro rice transplantation.
From the foothills to riverbanks, wetlands, and flat farmlands, farmers are busy planting rice seedlings, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the upazila.
During visits to different parts of Maheshkhali on Wednesday (28 January), it was seen that farmers worked in unison—some uprooting seedlings from seedbeds, others preparing them for transplantation, while many carefully planted them in neat rows.
Smiles on their faces and hope in their eyes reflected expectations of a prosperous harvest.
Abul Kalam, a farmer from Shaplapur union of Maheshkhali, said that more than an acre of his land has already been transplanted with rice.
“We anticipate a substantial harvest.” We cultivate rice every year, but compared to the monsoon season, production is usually higher when rice is transplanted in the dry season,” he added.
Another farmer, Mohammad Hashem, said that the transplantation process is nearing completion.
“Although expenses are slightly higher at this stage, everything balances out once the paddy is harvested. The money we invest now is like savings for the future,” he added.
The agriculture department is providing field-level support to assist farmers during the season.
Moheshkhali Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Abdul Gaffar told Cox’s Bazar Life that the target for Boro rice cultivation in the upazila this season has been set at 7,200 hectares. “Transplantation activities are currently in full swing across the entire upazila,” he said.
He added that sub-assistant agriculture officers regularly advise farmers on modern transplanting techniques, balanced fertiliser application, selecting seedlings of appropriate age, and planting in rows.
“With these measures, we are hopeful that farmers will achieve excellent yields,” he said.
With coordinated efforts by farmers and the agriculture department, Moheshkhali is expected to record a strong Boro rice harvest this year—benefiting farmers financially while also contributing significantly to local food production.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
