Maize Grain Monthly Update (Bangladesh) 2026-01

Char areas in Kurigram district have transformed into fertile farmland this season, with around 250 chars emerging along the Dharla, Baromasia, and Neelkomol rivers. Farmers are cultivating Boro paddy, maize, tobacco, and groundnuts, creating a lush green landscape. In Fulbari Upazila, 10,050 hectares of Boro paddy have been cultivated against a target of 10,205 hectares, alongside 2,265 hectares of maize and four hectares of tobacco. Farmers expect a harvest of 25 to 28 maunds of Boro paddy per bigha, supported by favorable weather conditions. This agricultural expansion on chars has provided new livelihood opportunities for local farmers over the past 10 to 15 years.

Farmers in the Rangpur agricultural region are expecting a bumper maize harvest this Rabi season after exceeding the cultivation target by 9.95 percent, with 126,925 hectares planted against the target of 117,043 hectares. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) highlights that maize cultivation is expanding rapidly across mainland and char areas due to its low irrigation requirements and strong demand from the poultry, dairy, animal husbandry, and food industries. Government incentives and NGO support distributing high-yield seed varieties have boosted production, particularly benefiting small and marginal farmers, landless char, and riverside communities. Conservation agriculture technologies are further enhancing yields by reducing irrigation and cultivation costs. Experts emphasize maize's role in improving livelihoods, promoting self-reliance, and conserving underground water amid climate change challenges.

The Rangpur Agricultural Region's char areas are experiencing bumper yields and strong market prices for winter crops, significantly benefiting local farmers. Over 82,000 hectares of charlands across five districts have been cultivated with diverse crops including Boro rice, potatoes, onions, vegetables, and groundnuts, producing around six lakh metric tonnes valued at approximately Tk 1,200 crore annually. Farmers have adopted intercropping, mixed-relay methods, and organic fertilizers to enhance crop quality and nutrition. This expanded cultivation on char lands and dried riverbeds has transformed the local economy, providing substantial profits and improving livelihoods despite challenging conditions. The ongoing harvest, expected to continue until May, is fostering economic resilience and optimism among char communities.

The Rangpur Agricultural Region is witnessing a bumper harvest of winter crops on char lands, with excellent yields and profitable market prices raising hopes among local farmers. Over 82,000 hectares of charlands across five districts have been cultivated with diverse crops including Boro rice, potatoes, onions, vegetables, groundnuts, and pumpkins using intercropping and organic fertilizers. The Department of Agricultural Extension reports an annual production of around six lakh metric tonnes of crops valued at approximately Taka 1,200 crore. This expanded cultivation on charlands and dried riverbeds has significantly improved the livelihoods of char residents, who are now able to earn substantial profits during the Rabi season. The ongoing harvest and crop management are expected to continue until May, sustaining the regional char economy.