The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Rajshahi

The Seed Production Project under the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) has attained a success in terms of fulfilling the deficit of quality paddy seed in the vast tract of Barind area during the last couple of years.

Officials told BSS here yesterday that the Taka 10.32 crore project titled "Quality Seed Production on Farmers Field" is being implemented in all the 25 upazilas of Rajshahi, Naogaon and Chapainawabganj districts since July, 2006.

The main objectives of the five-year project are to motivate farmers towards producing improved varieties of local and high yielding seeds and to train up 16,000 farmers and staffs on production, procurement, processing and preservation of quality seed.

Project Director Rafiqul Islam said that the BMDA is, at present, providing irrigation facilities to around 7.42 lakh hectares in Aman season and 3.84 lakh hectares in Boro season.

"To cultivate these lands in both the seasons, 43,645 tonnes of seeds are required every year," he said.

For the sake of sustainable crop production along with encouraging the farmers in crop farming, Rafiqul Islam said quality seed production should be ensured at the farmers level.

To make the project a complete success, he said around 1250 tonnes of seeds were produced and some 5,000 farmers were given necessary training on production, procurement, processing and preservation of rice seed through establishing around 250 demonstration plots during the last 2006- 07 and 2007-08 farming seasons.

Likewise, 1500 farmers were imparted necessary training to ensure production of 500 tonnes of quality seed during the current year. BMDA has been extending technical service and providing required inputs like seed, fertilizer and pesticides to the targeted farmers, he added.

"Besides, BMDA has been procuring breeder seed from BRRI and foundation seed from BADC and taking certificate from the Seed Certification Agency for producing quality seed," Rafiqul Islam said adding that necessary steps are being taken to avoid duplication in the regard.

BMDA Executive Director SM Abdul Mannan told BSS that deficit of quality seed could be reduced to a greater extent in the region on successful implementation of the project by 2011 that would help increasing rice production.