Dhaka: In the Rangpur agricultural region, the widespread adoption of natural pest control methods in Aman rice cultivation is enabling farmers to achieve higher yields and produce healthier rice, thereby increasing their profitability.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, farmers in Rangpur are using three environmentally friendly natural pest control methods-live and dead perching, and light traps-to increase Aman rice yields in a healthy manner while reducing pesticide costs. The Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) for the Rangpur region, Krishibid Md Saiful Islam, highlighted that these traditional methods are proving beneficial for farmers in preventing pest attacks on Aman rice fields.
Adopting perching techniques has gained popularity among farmers for controlling insect infestations, with bamboo poles or tree branches placed at certain distances above rice fields to allow birds to perch and eat harmful pests. This method has been implemented over 4,19,010 hectares of growing Aman rice fields out of a total of 6,21,310 hectares cultivated this season in the region. More specifically, 45,335 hectares are under live perching, and 3,73,675 hectares are under dead perching.
Additionally, light traps have been set up across 1,902 hectares of transplanted Aman rice fields in the region, with 33 hectares having permanent traps and 1,869 hectares having temporary ones. The DAE is actively conducting programs to encourage and train farmers in these eco-friendly methods, aiming to ensure higher yields by protecting crops from pest infestations at various growth stages.
The indiscriminate use of insecticides and pesticides has posed a risk to the ecosystem, leading to the disappearance of many indigenous fish, beneficial insects, and common birds. Farmers like Manik Mia from Darshona village, Abul Kalam, and Mokhlesur Rahman from different Rangpur villages, have recognized the importance of these methods in reducing pesticide costs and protecting the environment.
Farmers Fazle Lohani, Nur Mohammad, and Abdul Kadir from Badarganj upazila reported seeing many birds perching on their fields, effectively eating insects and safeguarding their crops. Mofizar Rahman from Dolapara village noted that these natural methods not only reduce pesticide use but also enhance rice yields and quality.