The New Nation - Internet Edition

Experts at a farmers' rally in Rangpur reportedly said that maize production could be increased by using quality seeds and the latest technology to bring prosperity to the growers. Maize farming is not costly but easy and only a small quantity of fertiliser and irrigated water are required for the cultivation of this cash crop round the year, the experts asserted as reported saying all parts of the maize plants are valuable and its stem and shoots are used as fodder and firewood. The experts made these observations at a discussion organised on the occasion of the farmers' field day on technologies for high yielding variety of maize farming at the BARI Technology village in the district.

The experts pointed out that the latest technologies for increased maize production include selection of quality seeds, the timely sowing of the seeds and plantation, fertiliser and pests management, irrigation and de-watering of the maize fields. It is explained that the qualities of various improved maize seeds developed by the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute and the proper technologies are there for farming each variety for achieving the highest yields. Despite huge demand for fodder in the country's poultry, pisciculture sectors, maize has become one of the major ingredients to produce biscuits.

It is necessary to ensure best use of the latest technologies and the use of quality seeds for further increasing maize production thrice a year even in sandy char lands, particularly in the vast areas along the mighty river Jamuna. Maize production has become a success story in recent years and now comes the question of having more production of the crop for which experts and research scholars are carrying out experiments. Farmers are also getting interest in maize production as the cash crop is more in demand.