The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

A noted agriculture economist yesterday expressed the apprehension that holding the general elections might be delayed if the targeted bumper production of Boro paddy could not be achieved.

"The price situation will heat up further in case of failure in attaining bumper Boro production…..Destabilise the country, resulting in the delay in holding the general election," Agri-Economist Dr Uttam Sen told a private TV channel yesterday.

Meanwhile, Director of the Department of Agriculture Extension Dr Shahidul Islam yesterday said the Government has fixed the target of Boro production to the tune of 1 crore 75 lakh metric tonnes after the crop failure in Cyclone Sidr and two previous floods that caused 20 lakh tonnes of food shortage.

An official of the Food and Disaster Management said The Government has decided to import 10 lakh tonnes of rice and two lakh tonnes of the wheat to meet the food grains shortage.

He said the country's annual food grains requirement is 4 crore 30 lakh metric tonnes.

"To ensure bumper Boro production in the coming session, we have encouraged farmers to cultivate the advanced variety of Boro and extended the fertiliser distribution system," Dr Shahidul Islam said.

He said the Department of Agriculture Extention has already distributed considerable amount of high yielding Boro seeds among the farmer, while the Government has directed the authorities concerned to guarantee necessary supply of fuel and electricity.

Dr Uttam Sen urged the Government to take extra measure so that the farmers get all inputs, including the soft-loans, seeds, fertiliser, electricity and fuel, on time.

"Otherwise, the country may face a serious uncertainty," he warned.