RANGPUR: Farmers in the Rangpur region have initiated the transplantation of Boro rice seedlings despite facing a severe cold wave, with the objective of boosting rice production to ensure food security. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has implemented measures to support farmers in making the Boro rice farming program successful during the current Rabi season.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Additional Director of the DAE’s Rangpur region, Agriculturist Md Obaidur Rahman Mondal, stated that the transplantation process is progressing rapidly in low-lying and char areas. The activity is expected to gain momentum from mid-January on the mainland. The DAE has set a record target of producing 22,94,195 tonnes of clean Boro rice from 5,08,978 hectares of land this season. Farmers aim to produce over 11 million tonnes of hybrid variety rice and high-yielding variety rice, along with a smaller quantity of local variety rice.
Farmers have already transplanted seedlings across 525 hectares in the five districts of the region. Seedbeds have been prepared on 25,807 hectares, surpassing the target by 11.29 percent. The DAE, alongside other agricultural organizations, is providing farmers with the latest technologies to boost production while minimizing costs. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen food security amidst climate change challenges.
The DAE, in collaboration with Northern Electricity Supply Company Limited and the Rural Electrification Board, is ensuring an uninterrupted supply of seeds, fertilizers, and electricity to farmers. Conservation agriculture-based technologies, such as the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) method, are being promoted to improve water use efficiency and reduce irrigation costs.
Despite the cold wave, farmers are persevering in their transplantation efforts. Anwar Hossain, a farmer from Mohipur in Gangachara upazila, noted that the process is nearing completion in certain areas. Other farmers are also preparing to complete transplantation by mid-February to maximize yields.
Dr. Md Abdul Mazid, an Independent Medal winner in food security, advised farmers to adopt the AWD method and proper agronomic management to optimize yields while conserving water and fuel. Farmers Farhad Hossain, Mohammad Ashraful Haque, Bakul Mian, and Rahamat Ali expressed readiness to begin transplantation soon.