The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Rangpur

Officials in the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) and farmers are expecting a bumper production of winter vegetables in the northern region during the current rabi season. Because of early farming of the vegetables under the post- flood agri- rehabilitation programmes, all varieties of winter vegetable have now appeared in plenty in the local markets and the yield rate achieved so far are found to be higher than that of the target, DAE sources said.

Officials said the DAE, Armed Forces, Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI), Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) and many NGOs have been supplying adequate quality seeds, other agro-inputs and providing necessary technical assistance to the farmers.

Different commercial banks, including Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) and many NGOs have been disbursing agriculture loans and interest-free loans among the farmers to make the cultivation of winter vegetables successful.

The DAE has fixed an average yield rate of all varieties winter vegetables to 12 tonnes per hectare this time, the sources said.

According to statistics 7,920 hectares of land will be brought under winter vegetables farming in Rangpur, 5,885 hectares in Gaibandha, 4,820 hectares in Lalmonirhat, 5,450 hectares in Nilphamari, 5,560 hectares in Kurigram, 9,817 hectares in Dinajpur, 6330 hectares in Thakurgaon and 3,725 hectares in Panchagarh districts under Rangpur Agriculture Zone.

Besides, 11,130 hectares in Rajshahi, 7,000 hectares in Naogaon, 6,200 hectares in Natore, 9,240 hectares in Chapainawabganj, 7,050 hectares in Sirajganj, 15,700 hectares in Pabna, 8,290 hectares in Bogra and 4,500 hectares of land will be brought under winter vegetables farming in Joypurhat districts under Rajshahi Agriculture Zone in the region during the season, the DAE sources said.