|| Md. Tanju Ahmed, Lakshmipur: Although the potential for soybean cultivation is increasing in Raipur upazila of Lakshmipur, farmers are facing extreme uncertainty regarding prices. Across the vast char (river island) areas along the Meghna River, farmers are cultivating soybeans and dreaming of better prospects. As a result, the area has already become known as “Soyaland.”Every year, soybeans are cultivated on thousands of acres of land in unions such as Charbanshi, Char Ababil, Char Ghassia, and Char Kachia. The fertile char lands are highly suitable for this crop, which is encouraging expansion in cultivation. However, rising costs of pesticides and overall production have raised concerns about not receiving fair prices.This season, there is a strong possibility of a bumper harvest. The green soybean fields are giving farmers hope. Favorable weather conditions and guidance from the agricultural department have supported healthy plant growth, and production is expected to exceed targets.Field observations show that most soybean plants are healthy and strong, with relatively low levels of disease and pest attacks. The highest cultivation has taken place in Kaniboga Char in South Charbanshi and in North Charbanshi.According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, soybeans have been cultivated on several thousand hectares of land this season, with an expected production of around 12,672 metric tons.Farmer Jalal Uddin from South Charbanshi said that last year he could not even recover his production costs. “The cost per decimal exceeded 1,600 taka, but we had to sell soybeans at around 1,300 taka,” he said. However, he hopes to make some profit this year due to favorable weather.Other farmers also reported that although irrigation costs are relatively low, there is still uncertainty about market prices. They fear losses again if prices drop like last year.Upazila Agriculture Officer Majedul Islam stated that due to favorable conditions and farmers’ awareness, a good harvest is expected this year. Farmers are also receiving regular technical support. Relevant stakeholders say that although soybean production is increasing in Raipur, ensuring fair prices is essential for farmers to benefit.