Farmers across Atrai are currently harvesting Aus rice as forecasts project Bangladesh's total rice production at 37.4 million tonnes for marketing year 2026/27.
Farmers across Atrai Upazila and throughout Bangladesh are currently in the midst of harvesting Aus rice, the pre-monsoon crop that is traditionally gathered during August and September. This seasonal harvest represents a critical period for agricultural communities in Naogaon district.
According to the US Department of Agriculture's latest grain forecast released in April 2026, Bangladesh is projected to harvest rice from 11.8 million hectares of land during marketing year 2026/27, with total production estimated at 37.4 million metric tonnes. The harvested area is expected to be 0.4 percent higher compared to the previous marketing year.
Bangladesh cultivates rice in three distinct seasons throughout the year. The Boro season, which accounts for over 50 percent of annual production, involves planting in December-January and harvesting in April-May. The Aus season begins with cultivation in April-May and harvest in August-September, while the Aman season starts planting in August-September with harvests concluding in November-December.
Rice remains the cornerstone of Bangladesh's agricultural economy and food security. As the world's third-largest rice producer, the country dedicates over 11 million hectares to rice cultivation annually. For farming communities in Atrai and across Rajshahi Division, successful harvests during each season are essential for household income and national food supplies.
Local farmers are advised to complete Aus harvesting promptly to prevent weather-related damage and prepare fields for the upcoming Aman season planting, which typically begins in late August and continues through September.