The New Nation - Internet Edition

'Optimum use of urea through LCC, Guti urea can save fertiliser’

BSS, Rangpur

Experts here have said that popularizing the use of Guti urea and application of urea through adopting Leaf Colour Chart (LCC) method can save over 25 percent urea annually in the country.

Reduced use of urea would raise crop production by at least six to ten percent, help regaining the lost soil fertility, population of the extinct insecticides, birds and fishes and maintain ecology, bio-diversity and environment, they said.

Scientists and experts in Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) said this on Saturday while talking to BSS on the ongoing T-Aman farming programme and overall seed and fertilizer situation in the region.

They said, the government has taken all necessary steps for smooth distribution of T-Aman seeds, fertilisers and pesticides for making the increased target of farming T-Aman crop this season in northern Bangladesh.

The farmers have been continuing preparation of the T-Aman seedbeds, transplantation of the early variety seedlings and there is no problem with T- Aman seeds or chemical fertlisers anywhere in the region.

Training courses and motivational works for the agriculture extension officers, sub-assistant agriculture officers, concerned government and NGO officials and workers and farmers on optimum use of urea fertilisers have been continuing everywhere, they said. The BRRI and DAE have been providing these motivational trainings on proper use of urea through adopting the LCC method and application of Guti urea in every upazila, block and village to ensure optimum use of the fertiliser, officials said. Under these programmes on using Guti urea and LCC method, over 20,000 sub- assistant agriculture officers, NGO workers, farmers and master trainers have been provided training on proper use of urea during this T-Aman farming season in the region.Officials said, the trainings are still continuing and being provided also to create job for the farm labourers side by side with ensuring food security, crop diversification and increasing production of all varieties including high- valued crops to alleviate poverty.

Chief of Rangpur Regional Research Station of BRRI and also its Chief Scientific Officer Dr Abdul Mazid and Scientific Officer Anwarul Haque on Saturday elaborately narrated to BSS how they have been conducting the training courses in recent years.The Local Service Providers and farmer promoters of each upazila in Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari and Gaibandha, who were trained during the past two consecutive years, have now been educating their fellow farmers on LCC and Guti urea in their respective areas.

Besides, farmers from each upazila, who were provided similar training on LCC during the past two years and this year, have now been utilizing their knowledge in educating the farmers as they did it during the last Boro season.

Some of the trained farmers said they were using up to 35 kg urea fertilizer in each bigha of land and the BRRI and DAE scientists taught them how the maximum yield of T-Aman could be achieved by using only 22 to 25 kg urea in the same land.About 13 kg urea will be saved per bigha if the farmers use the LCC method in their crop fields, Dr. Mazid said adding that about 25 percent urea could be saved if all farmers used the LCC method or applied Guti urea to their crop fields in the country.Deputy Director of DAE, Rangpur Kamal Shariful Alam said use of Guti urea and LCC method would also ensure optimum use of urea and raise rice production by six to 10 percent and help protecting the bio- diversity.

The DAE in cooperation with BRRI, have also been conducting huge training programmes for the farmers, agri- experts, public representatives, government officials, and NGO executives for the purpose to achieve full benefits of using Guti urea and LCC method, he added.

Over 25 percent urea will be saved if all farmers use Guti urea and follow the LCC method, Dr Mazid and Kamal Shariful Alam said adding that the farmers must ensure optimum use of MoP, TSP and Gypsum fertilisers to get the full benefits.

Symbols for BCC election candidate’s distributed

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Returning officer of Barisal City Corporation Election on Monday distributed 194 election symbols among the 194 candidates for 41 posts including 10 for mayor post, 145 for 30 general ward commissioner posts and 39 for reserved female seats.

Candidates or their representatives were present during the distribution of election symbols.

Symbols of ten valid mayor candidates of BCC were 'Fish' for Advocate Principal Enayet Pir Khan, Nagorik Parishad president and Barisal Law College principal, 'Ship' for Ebaidul Huq Chan, director FBCCI and president BCCI and former mayor candidate and former district BNP secretary, 'Clock' for Ahsan Habib Kamal, former BNP leader, municipal chairman and BCC mayor in charge, 'Television' for Shawkat Hossain Hiron, city AL convener and 14 party alliance nominated candidate, 'Rickshaw' for Advocate Abul Kalam Azad, district CPB secretary, 'Umbrella' for Sharfuddin Ahmed Santu, divisional PDP coordinator, 'Pineapple' for Advocate Kabiruddin Hannu, former JP leader and former ward commissioner, 'Pen-Inkpot' for Advocate Jahirul Huq, 'Chair' for Syed Abdullah Sahid, former joint district judge and 'Telephone' for Rafikul Islam Russell, businessmen.

Private initiative attains success in fruit-sapling research, dev

BSS, Rajshahi

'Chhayabithi Agricultural Research and Development Center', a private initiative, has attained significant success in research and development of fruit trees for the last couple of years.

Talking to BSS, the owner of the center Mazder Ali said he started the farm in 2001 on a three-acre plot at Silinda in the metropolis and it has now expanded to 22 acres with varieties of fruit-sapling.

He said the main objective of the nursery is to supply quality and suitable variety fruit saplings and grafts to the farmers at affordable rates for enhancing fruit orchards in the country. "We are giving emphasis to ensure more production from more planted trees on less land through efficient management side by side creating high-yielding seedlings through selecting appropriate mother-tree and graft," he said adding that we are also working for detecting pests, diseases and other nuisance of horticulture along with management of those through research.Apart from this, adaptive research work on collection of new more high-yielding fruit varieties and removing the existing alternate breeding habit of mango has also been advanced successfully.

Describing the initiative as the first of its kind in the private sector, he said the concentrated effort has encouraged many other people to set up fruit nurseries. In addition to gardening germplasm of mango, litchi and jujube (cul) the center has separate blocks of projection, sapling production and conservation, grafting preservation and selling.

The center has also been putting in its effort for innovation of new agricultural technology on the basis of field level research and study.

Quoting positive outcomes of the farm-based work, Mazder Ali said there has been an enormous prospect of enhancing fruit production in the region through improved management.On behalf of the nursery, the nearby fruit-gardeners are being provided with necessary ideas on improved technology for horticulture and selection and collection of sapling and plantation and nursing of those adopting modern methods.In this context, he observed that most farmers face harass and deceit during purchasing of saplings of fruit-trees particularly mango and litchi. He said we are optimistic about restoring confidence in them in this regard as we believe that success and image of the farm is completely dependent on farmers profit and interest.

In addition to a manager and 12 permanent employees, the farm provides employment to another 10/15 labors on daily basis.There are 66 varieties of fruit including 30 of mangoes like himsagar, khirsapat, gopalbhog, langra and fazli, four of litchi and five of jujube in the nursery. Responding to a query relating to the future plan, the owner said the farm would be built as an agricultural development and marketing management institute comprising integrated farming and farmers training and consultation.

He said the sale proceeds of the nursery have gradually been increasing since beginning of its commercial operation in 2006 and tree-saplings worth about Taka nine lakh have been sold till July 10 last.

Appeal to save life of RU brilliant student

RU Correspondent

Shaswata Satya , a 1st year student of Mass Commu-nication and Journ-alism department of Rajshahi University (RU) ,has been suffering from "Ankylosing Spondylitis " on which the joint of bones are breaking day by day since 1998, he spoke on a press conference on Friday at Rajshahi University campus .

Shaswato needs 35 lakh for his treatment, which is quite impossible for his father, a school teacher.

The family has become pauper after spending about five lakh taka for the treatment of Shaswata.

Friends, teachers, students, employees of Mass Communication and Journa-lism department of RU have urged all to come forward to help save the life of Shaswata.

On the press briefing there were present Shaswata Satya ,His father Arun Kumar Shaswata, Prof Mass Communication and Journalism department Prof Abdullah Al Mamun, Prof Satil Siraj ,Professor Selim Reza Newton, Prof Mustak Ahmed,m Prof Tanvir Ahmed, Prof Akthter Jahan, former students of the department Ruhul Q. Sumon, Abdul Maleq Tuhin , Musbah Azad, F.I Dipu and other students and officials of the department.

The affluent faction of the society are requested to contribute to the following address: "Shaswata Chikiswa Sohayota , Saving account no. 34260498 , Agrani bank, Rajshahi University branch . Or, "Shaswata Chikiswa Sohayota, Saving account -135-101-33705. Dutch Bangla Bank Limited. One can also contact over 01712-061804, 01712-085600 or 01712-081178).

Farmers cultivate Aus paddy on 30,234 hectares in Pirojpur

UNB, Pirojpur

Some 30,234 hectares have been brought under the Aus paddy cultivation in the district during the current season with an output target of 61,251 mts.

According to Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), farmers have cultivated Aus on 4,410 hectares in Sadar upazila, 2,575 hectares in Zianagar, 3,627 hectares in Kaukhali, 4,850 hectares in Nesarabad, 2,532 hectares in Nazirpur, 5,050 hectares in Bhandaria and 7,190 hectares in Mathbaria.

DAE sources said measures have been taken to ensure supply of quality seeds, fertilizers and other necessary agri-inputs among the farmers at fair prices among the farmers to make the scheme a success.

Farmers of the district are expecting a good harvest this season as they cultivated Aus exceeding their target of 24,900 hectares.

Raja Devashish visits Bandarban hill areas

Our Correspondent, Bandarban

Barrister, Raja Devashish Ray. Adviser of Forest & Environment of the Caretaker Govt., visited Bandarban Hill district. On last Friday he was present as chief guest at the view exchange meeting held at local Zilla Parishad Auditorium.

Thanjana Lussai, Chairman of the Parishad, DC, Shah A. Mazid, Akond SP in-charge Taraque Moinul including other Govt. high officials were the present. At this view exchang meeting, Adviser gave patient hearing to attended persons' various problems. He assured the persons that he would discuss those issues with the concerned bodies of the Government. On Saturday morning he left Bandarban for Thanchi Upazila Town to meet the local people to know their problems, sources said. He was associated with Hill Council Chairman and DC. On Sunday, he met with Khomee Tribale people. at Y. Gong Sung of Komee para of Roang Chari Upazila District people become happy as an Adviser from 3 Hill Area arrived at Bandarban and physically to know the socio-economic conditions.

Brilliant students of BB Govt High School accorded reception

Our Correspondent, Panchagarh

A reception was held GPA-5 2008 and Junior Scholarship holder 2007 in Panchgarh B.P. Govt High School at the school ground on July 10. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Md. Monzur Hasan Bhuinya was present as the chief guest in the function. While Mrs.Karima Khatun, Asst. Head Teacher Panchagarh B.P Govt High School as special guest.

The function was presided over by Md. Akhtaruzzaman, Head Teacher, Pancahgarh B.P Govt High School.

The function was attended among others by ex-Union Chiarman Shome Ali Ahmed, ex-Upazila Chairman Md. Ashraful Islam, Schools Guardian Md. Tofar Uddin Mollah, ex-Teacher Hashim Akhter Md. Karimdad and Mokhleur Rahman.

Four suspected drug-peddlers held in Rajshahi

BSS, Rajshahi

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested four suspected drug-peddlers and seized phensidyl from different areas in two northern districts during the last 24 hours till Saturday afternoon.

The drug-peddlers were identified as Mukhlesur Rahman, 35, Montaj Uddin, 45, Jafar Iqbal, 19, and Mokbul, 45. The elite force seized 483 bottles of phensidyl during three separate raids at different places in Rajshahi and Naogaon districts.

During a separate drive at a factory in Kapratola village under Chapainawabgonj sadar upazila, the RAB personnel seized 64 kilograms of adulterated spice. The magistrate fined the mill owner Taka 70,000.

The arrested and the seized goods were handed over to the concerned police stations.

Reception accorded to GPA-5 students in Gopalganj

Our Correspondent, Gopalganj

A reception has been accorded to the students who got GPA-5 in the SSC examination from Gopalganj S.M. Model Government High School at its auditorium, organised by the teachers and students of the S.M. Model Government High School on July 9.

The programmes of the reception accorded to the GPA-5 holders by giving floral wreaths, discussion, cultural function and prize distribution function. Sukdev Bhakta, Headmaster, S.M. Model Government High School presided over the programme.

S.M. Ashfaque Hussain, Deputy Commissioner, Gopalganj inaugurated the programmes. It was addressed among others by Bishnu Pada Dasu, Gopalganj District Education Officer, Naresh Chandra Das, assistant teachers. Subash Chandra Ujha, Sanjoy Kumar Roy of S.M. Model government High School.

Opinion sharing meet of AL held in Rupganj

A Correspondent, Rupganj

An opinion sharing meeting of Bangladesh Awami League organised by Rupganj Upazila Awami League held in Kazi Abdul Hamid High School premises at Rupganj on the 13th July at the evening. Abdul Motalib, Chairman, Rupganj Upazilla Awami League presided over the meeting. The former Army Chief K. M Shafi Ullah, among others, attended the function and addressed.

News briefs

Huge aluminium wire seized in Keraniganj

Keraniganj, July 16: Police arrested four people along with 6 kgs of aluminium wire and 11,025 kgs of aluminium from a factory at Kalmachar here early Saturday. Acting of a tip-off, police raided the factory of Haji Anam Hossain and Riaz of the area and recovered the wire and aluminium. They also arrested four staff - Akkas Ali, 35, Meraz, 32, Dadon Mollah, 33, and Sujan, 30, - of the factory but failed to arrest the owners. Police said they seized the aluminium wire, aluminium and different machineries worth Tk 25 lakh from the factory during their three-hour raid from 4am, report UNB.

Tk 2.43 lakh

realised as fine

Sylhet, July 16: Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) members, in a daylong drive in the city on Wednesday, realized Tk 2.43 lakh in fine from different shops and restaurants on various charges. A team of RAB-9 conducted the drive in presence of the officials of Bangladesh Standard Testing Institution (BSTI) and local administration. The team raided 40 shops of Hawkers' Market in Laldighi area and realized Tk 1.44 lakh in fine for selling substandard and date-expired food items. They also seized huge adulterated food items, including baby food and chocolates, from the shops, report UNB.

Adolescent boy slaughtered in Mymensingh

Mymensingh, July 16: An adolescent boy was slaughtered by local terrorists in Sardagosh area of the district town Wednesday night. The dead was identified as Alam, 15, son of Shamsul Huda of Pagla Balipara village in Gafargaon upazila. Police said terrorists entered the candle factory of one Nizam Uddin at 9pm and slaughtered his nephew and worker Alam. Local people said the drug addict terrorists killed the boy as he earlier protested their drug taking in the factory compound, report UNB.

Two killed in Noakhali road mishap

Noakhali, July 16: Two people were killed and six others injured in separate road accidents in Begumganj upazila on Friday. Police said a CNG-run auto-rickshaw plunged into a canal after it was rammed by a pickup van at Barakup at about 7.30 am killing auto-rickshaw driver Mozammel, 40, on the spot and injuring its three passengers. In another accident, a head-on collision between a bus and a truck at Setubhata on Choumuhani-Feni road killed bus helper Kamal Hossain and injured three passengers, report UNB.

Two drug peddlers along with 5-kg hemp held in Sharsha

Benapole (Jessore), July 16: Two drug peddlers were arrested along with 5-kg of hemp from Jamtala Bazar in Sharsha upazila Friday. Acting on a tip-off, police raided the bazar and arrested Shahidul Islam and Babul Hossain in the morning and recovered the hemp from their possession. Police said Shahidul and Babul, hailed from Kushtia, have been involved in drug peddling since long. A case was filed against them under Narcotics Control Act, report UNB.

New building of Banchharampur thana inaugurated in B'baria

Brahmanbaria, July 16: A new building for Banchhar-ampur thana has been constructed at a cost of Tk 52.13 lakh. Inspector General of Police Noor Mohammad inaugurated the building on Thursday. After inaugurating the newly constructed building, the IGP attended a meeting at Upazila Parishad auditorium, report UNB.