The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Rangpur

The farmers have completed plantation of Boro seedlings in 98 percent targeted land with a possibility of farming the crop in 15 to 20 percent more land than the fixed target this year in the northern districts.

"Boro plantation has already exceeded the fixed targets in many northern districts and nearing completion in some five more districts though the last official date of plantation expires on March 15 next," they added.

The DAE officials said that the farmers are continuing plantation of Boro seedlings to their lands and the process will continue till March 15 next that will enable them in bringing 15 to 20 percent more land than the fixed target under Boro cultivation. The farmers and the government have engaged their all efforts and resources to respond to the call of Chief Advisor Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at Rangpur to make the Boro farming programme successful to ensure food security in the country.

Officials said that the farmers have been working sincerely understanding that the government has given the maximum priority to an increased Boro rice production this year and onwards.

While talking to BSS, farmers of different northern districts thanked the government for assuring smooth supply of fertilizers, pesticides, power, irrigation and all other necessary inputs for achieving an all-time record Boro production to ensure food security in the country.

The agri-scientists and experts appointed by the government to 61 districts have been conducting their special duties by providing necessary practical knowledge, experience, advice and assistance to the district and upazila level DAE officials and field level farmers.

As per their advice, the farmers planted Boro seedlings in more lands within the first week of February, as the same will be harvested a month earlier than those to be planted later. Following the concerted efforts of the government, the farmers are expected to bring over 16 lakh hectares under Boro farming against the DAE fixed a target of producing 59,58,980 metric tons of Boro rice from 15,08,137 hectares this season in the region.

"We are expecting an all-time record and bumper Boro production since independence and the estimated rice production might be around 67 lakh tonnes for increased cultivation in the region this season," the experts and officials said.

The government has ordered all concerned agriculture related authorities to timely complete the special steps taken by the government for smooth and successful Boro farming in larger scales aiming at increasing the production further.