(BSS) - Corn is steadily becoming an important contributor to the agricultural economy of Lalmonirhat, with its growing dominance in the market as a profitable cash crop.

Due to higher profits from lower production costs, reduced irrigation requirements and stable year-round market demand, corn cultivation is rapidly gaining popularity in Lalmonirhat, similar to other northern districts of the country.

Favorable weather conditions and lower incidence of crop diseases have expanded its cultivation across the district’s five upazilas and the Teesta river char areas.

Once cultivated mainly as animal feed, corn has recently gained popularity as a nutritious grain beneficial for human health. It has now emerged as a profitable cash crop. The crop’s commercial importance is also increasing nationwide due to rising production of poultry, fish and livestock feed, alongside growing private investment in corn-based products.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), corn has been cultivated on 30,885 hectares of land in Lalmonirhat district this year.

Officials said favorable weather and timely advice from the agriculture department contributed to a good yield.

During the visit to different areas of the district, it has been found that farmers are currently busy harvesting, threshing and storing corn during the ongoing processing season. Corn has also started arriving at local markets and trading centers.

Buyer Manik Mahajan at Borobari Bazar in the district town told BSS that corn is currently being purchased at Taka 1,050 to 1,060 per maund. He also predicted that prices may rise further in the coming days.

Corn trader Raju Mahajan said the supply and trading volume of corn have increased in the market. Freshly harvested green corn is being sold at Taka 750 to 800 per maund, while dried corn is selling at Taka 1,040 to 1,060 per maund.

Farmer Manjul Islam from the Teesta char area said corn cultivation involves lower costs and almost every part of the plant can be utilized. The leaves are used as animal feed, while stalks and cobs are used as fuel. Encouraged by good prices, he plans to expand cultivation.

Farmer Soleman Ali from Kakina union under Kaliganj upazila told BSS that cultivating corn on one bigha of land costs around Taka 12,000 to Taka 14,000.

He said expenses can be reduced further if farmers manage the cultivation work themselves.

According to him, good yields can produce 30 to 36 maunds of corn per bigha, generating an estimated profit of Taka 16,000 to Taka 18,000 per bigha at current market prices after deducting costs.

Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Khandakar Sohael Ahmed told BSS that corn is a profitable and healthy crop. Farmers are being encouraged to cultivate corn using modern technologies as an alternative crop, and necessary support is being provided to them.

Deputy Director of the District Department of Agricultural Extension Dr. Md. Saikhul Arifin said regular monitoring and incentive programmes are ongoing to ensure easy access to seeds, fertilizers and other agricultural inputs for farmers.