Naogaon emerges as thrasher manufacturing hub  

Naogaon has emerged as a hub for manufacturing commercial rice threshing machines, recognised nationwide for their quality. This flourishing industry generates over Tk86 crore in annual sales, creating more than 100 entrepreneurs and providing direct and indirect employment to around 1,000 people. 

The industry's origins date back about a decade, when factories were first established in Dhamoirhat UpazilaSadar and Patnitala Bazar. Over the last five to seven years, agricultural mechanisation has seen a significant boost, fuelling the demand for these machines, locally referred to as Banga. 

Currently, approximately 80 factories in these two upazilasproduce over 2,000 rice thrashing machines annually. Each machine is priced between Tk3.6 lakh and Tk5 lakh, contributing to the sector's impressive annual market value.

This industry plays a crucial role in supporting Naogaon'sagriculturally driven economy, creating livelihoods, and fostering innovation. 

The manufacturing of rice thrashing machines relies on raw materials such as iron sheets, angles, plates, and shallow machines. Factory owners and workers report that it takes five to six workers about a week to assemble one machine. 

These machines not only thrash rice but also clean it, eliminating the need for separate dust and sand removal. They are especially crucial during the Boro and Amanseasons when labour shortages in agriculture are most acute. 

Rising living costs and the pursuit of a better quality of life have caused many rural workers to migrate to cities or shift to other professions, leading to a significant decline in the agricultural labour force.

Farmers have struggled with labour shortages for harvesting and thrashing rice, driving up wages and, in some cases, resulting in crops being left unharvested. 

The introduction of thrashers has addressed these challenges, easing the workload for farmers, reducing dependency on manual labour, and making farming more efficient. 

Golam Mostafa, a farmer from Bhimpur village in NaogaonSadar, recounted the difficulties of traditional thrashing methods.

"In the past, four to five workers were needed to thrash one bigha of paddy in an entire day, at a cost of Tk30 to Tk40 per worker. Now, with machines, the same task takes less than half an hour," he said.

Mostafa also noted the machines' versatility in handling other agricultural tasks, is further driving their demand. 

Threshing machines are also widely used for crops like mustard, sesame, tishi, wheat, coriander, and other spices, making them indispensable for farmers in districts such as Gaibandha, Natore, Noakhali, Jashore, Chuadanga, Kushtia, Meherpur, Nilphamari, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, and Rangpur. 

Md Aminul Islam, owner of Alam Engineering Workshop in Patnitala Upazila, highlighted the shift in farming practices brought about by technology.

"People now seek easier solutions for challenging tasks, and thrashing machines are a testament to this change," he said, adding that the machines have eliminated the difficulties of traditional thrashing methods. 

Harunur Rashid, owner of Najipur Bhai Bhai Engineering Workshop, established in 2008, noted the rising cost of production post-Covid-19.

"The price of iron sheets has increased from Tk80-90 per kg to around Tk150, and shallow machine prices have risen significantly," he explained. Despite these challenges, the demand for thrashing machines remains strong. 

Rashid employs 18 workers and pays craftsmen Tk18,000to Tk20,000 per machine under contract. The machines, weighing around 1,400kg, sell for approximately Tk3 lakh each. 

Masum Reza, general secretary of Najipur Auto Threshers Banga Samity, acknowledged the industry's substantial output but pointed out challenges due to capital shortages.

"Many entrepreneurs are unable to innovate or expand due to a lack of funds. Providing bank loans on easy terms and reducing raw material prices would help the industry grow further," he said. 

Abul Kalam Azad, deputy director of the Naogaonagricultural extension department, praised Naogaon'sreputation for paddy and rice production. "Patnitala and Dhamoirhat upazilas have become focal points for threshing machine production. The machines made here are of the highest quality and are in great demand. Transactions worth crores of taka are generated annually," he said. 

Azad also expressed commitment to supporting the industry's growth. "We plan to provide entrepreneurs with loans on easy terms to help develop this sector. This matter will be seriously discussed in the District Agricultural Loan Committee," he assured.