Lalmonirhat: A programme aimed at increasing the use of modern agricultural technology through rice transplanters, a specialized farm machine that automates planting rice seedlings in paddy fields, was inaugurated in the district on Sunday during the ongoing Boro season. The initiative, organised by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Sadar Upazila Office, was held around 1:00 pm in the Sindhumati area of Panchagram Union. Under the programme, paddy seedlings produced in trays were planted using rice transplanters, with about 2,500 tray-grown seedlings used on the day.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was attended by Md. Matiul Alam, the Additional Deputy Director (Grains) of the DAE, as the chief guest, while Sadar Upazila Agriculture Extension Officer Md. Nuruzzaman Rony was present as a special guest. Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Khandaker Sohael Ahmed chaired the event. Also present were Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Lalmonirhat District Correspondent Md. Bipul Islam, Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officers of the concerned block, other officials of the Agriculture Department, and local farmers.
Speaking as the chief guest, Md. Matiul Alam emphasized that planting tray-grown seedlings through rice transplanters is a groundbreaking technology for the Boro season. This method significantly reduces the cost of seedling production and transplantation. He highlighted that since the roots of the seedlings remain intact, the plants grow faster and healthier, enabling farmers to transplant paddy on nearly 15 bighas of land within a short time. He also mentioned that the DAE is providing regular field-level support and training to help farmers maintain healthy seedlings during winter and foggy conditions, while encouraging the adoption of mechanized farming practices.
In his address, Upazila Agriculture Officer (UAO) Khandaker Sohael Ahmed explained that the use of rice transplanters saves both labor and time. He noted that seedlings grown in trays suffer no root damage and can absorb nutrients from the soil quickly. As the seedlings form mat-like structures, the planting process becomes easier and more efficient. Tray-grown seedlings remain comparatively healthier in cold and adverse weather conditions, and seedlings aged between 20 and 25 days are most suitable for planting with rice transplanters. He also praised Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officers Ferdous Islam and Jahangir Alam for their tireless efforts in implementing the programme and motivating farmers to adopt modern technology.
Farmers participating in the programme expressed keen interest in using rice transplanters and voiced their determination to move forward with mechanized rice cultivation in the future.