The New Nation - Internet Edition

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Agricultural rehabilitation programs in different Sidr affected areas of 11 districts under Barisal agricultutural region yet to be started and it may cause 3 lakhs ton of deficits in food production this year instead of average 5 lakhs ton surpluses in previous years.

The regional agricultural extension department (AED) said more than 6.67 lakhs metrict tons agricultural productions of 4.10 lakhs acres of cultivated lands reported as damaged by Sidr in 11 districts of Barisal region.

Deputy Director in charge of Barisal AED disclosing these facts said they already sent reports of damages and destructions to the higher authority. Rehabilitation programs yet to be started due to delay in providing funds asking details of the each affected person by the agriculture ministry.

In an instruction AED has been ordered to send names, addresses and other details of the Sidr affected 15.5 lakhs farmers of the region and it becomes impossible to send these details within a short period.

AED sources said cultivations of Ropa Aman,Boro and wheat seed beds, pulses,vegitables,mustard,betel nut,coconut,betel leaf and other crops damaged severely by Sidr in 72 upazila of 12 districts including 67 upazilas of 11 districts under Barisal AED.

Cultivations of paddy, wheat, different types of winter crops of these Sidr affected areas depends on implementations of immediate rehabilitation programs In agriculture sectors.

Rescheduling of old and distribution of new long term, interest free or low interest rated agricultural loans, as well as providing power pumps for irrigation, power tiller for cultivation, seeds and saplings for Boro,Irri paddy and wheat, fertilizers, pesticides, fuel and energy supplies also needed urgently under agricultural rehabilitation programs.

AED sources further cautioned that more than 2 lakhs hectors of agricultural lands have been damaged by salinity after sea waves engulfed river banks and lands inside the embankments of coastal region.

Cultivation of crops in these lands may not be possible for next 2-4 seasons till the salinity exists there and may increase deficit in production if implementations agricultural rehabilitation programs further delayed, they added.