In FY2023–24, Bangladesh produced 68.84 lakh tonnes of maize from 6.42 lakh hectares, with FY2024–25 targets set at 71.60 lakh tonnes from 6.51 lakh hectares. Despite high yields of 35–45 maunds per bigha (1 maund ≈ 37 kg), farmers in districts like Lalmonirhat and Rangpur face falling prices—now Tk 28–29 per kg, down by Tk 2–3 from last year—while production costs rose to Tk 11–13 per kg or Tk 14,000–16,000 per bigha. Resulting profits range between Tk 28,000–34,000 per bigha. Traders buy at Tk 27–28 per kg, selling at Tk 29, citing surplus and transport costs. Bangladesh’s demand stands at 70–75 lakh tonnes, with last year’s imports totaling 4 lakh tonnes. The Rangpur region cultivated 1.47 lakh hectares targeting 15.60 lakh tonnes. Farmers call for fair pricing as feed mills dominate procurement. Experts warn that without pricing regulation, increased supply and low global prices may further depress domestic rates, risking farmers’ income stability.
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