Dinajpur: The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has commenced the distribution of high-yielding improved paddy seeds and chemical fertilizers to 20,200 farmers across 13 upazilas in Dinajpur district. This initiative aims to enhance Boro rice production by equipping local farmers with essential resources.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the distribution program started on Monday afternoon in Hakimpur upazila and is set to be completed by December 15, covering 103 unions in the district. Md. Afzal Hossain, Deputy Director of DAE, emphasized that the program's focus is on providing free high-yielding Boro paddy seeds and chemical fertilizers to the farmers.
As part of the agricultural incentives, each farmer will receive 5 kilograms of improved variety upashi paddy seeds and 20 kilograms of chemical fertilizers, which include 10 kg of DAP and 10 kg of MOP. These supplies are expected to assist approximately 13,600 farmers in Dinajpur district.
Additionally, 6,600 farmers will benefit from the distribution of hybrid paddy seeds, a significant development by young researchers from the Bangladesh Agriculture Department. Each of these farmers will receive 2 kg of high-yielding hybrid seeds for cultivation this year.
In total, 68 metric tons of upashi seeds and 13 metric tons of hybrid seeds are being distributed, amounting to 81 metric tons of seeds. Alongside the seeds, 272 metric tons of fertilizers are being provided, ensuring that farmers have what they need to optimize their crop yields.
The distribution program was officially inaugurated in Hakimpur upazila by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Amit Roy on Monday. Arzina Begum, the Upazila Agriculture Officer, noted that 1,000 farmers in Hakimpur have received 2 kilograms of hybrid paddy seeds each, with an expected yield of approximately 35 maunds per bigha from these varieties.
Officials are hopeful that this initiative will not only enhance production but also encourage farmers to adopt more advanced agricultural practices in the region.