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Promoting less-irrigation consuming crops in Barind


Bangladeshpost
Published : 21 Sep 2019 07:43 PM | Updated : 25 Aug 2020 11:07 AM

Agriculture Secretary Md Nasiruzzaman has urged the field level agricultural officials and others concerned to promote the less-water consuming crops like wheat, maize and pulses in Barind area to reduce the gradually mounting pressure on its underground water, reports BSS.

“Farming cost of the less-irrigation consuming cereal crops is less than the Irri-Boro paddy so utmost emphasis should be given on boosting the acreage of the crops,” he said while addressing a view-sharing meeting with officials of all the agriculture-related organizations working in Rajshahi region as chief guest.

Zone office of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) hosted the meeting at its conference hall here yesterday afternoon. More than 75 officials representing DAE, BADC, BRRI, BARI, Wheat and maize research, soil research, sugar crop research and pulse research attended the meeting.

Chaired by DAE Additional Director Deb Dulal Dhali, the meeting was addressed, among others, by its deputy directors Shamsul Haque and Monzurul Huda and Director General of Bangladesh Sugar Crop Research Institute Dr Amzad Hossain.

Secretary Nasiruzzaman said the water-stressed condition of the Barind area can easily be mitigated through substantial and sustainable promoting the farming of Aush paddy, vegetables and various types of both conventional and non-conventional fruits including malta and dragon.

He urged the attending officials and researchers to put in their level best efforts to elevate the rice production to 5.32 tonnes per hectare per year by 2030 and collective efforts is needed to attain the cherished goal.

He said the role of agriculture sector is very vital towards making the country’s economy functional alongside ensuring food security. He called upon the field level officials and researchers to discharge their duties with utmost sincerity and honesty.

Besides, he mentioned that the government has attached highest priority to the agriculture sector and added that the field level officials and researchers should take the responsibilities of reaching the government’s services to the farmers’ doorsteps.

Nasiruzzaman added that large-scale promotion of bio-rational fertilizer and pest management in fruit and vegetable farming has become crucial for boosting the cash crops production side by side with reducing toxic chemical fertilizer and pesticides and management of different insects and pest in the region.