Rajshahi: Agriculture Secretary Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian has categorically stated that there is no fertilizer crisis in the country. “We have sufficient fertilizer stock until December and there will be no crisis this season,” he assured during his visit to agricultural fields and irrigation activities in the Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Emdad Ullah emphasized the need for increased awareness among grassroots farmers. He highlighted that the yield of various crops, including wheat, potato, pulse, mustard, and vegetables, could be increased by 15 to 40 percent through the judicious use of fertilizer. To support this, the Agriculture Secretary announced the launch of a farming application, ‘Khamari App,’ designed to help farmers reduce fertilizer costs and enhance yields.
The ‘Khamari App’ is equipped to provide valuable information regarding crop types, required fertilizer, and seed quantities for specific plots of land. Dr Emdad Ullah mentioned that this app could save farmers around Taka 1,000 per bigha in fertilizer costs for paddy, while potentially increasing yields by about one maund (40 kg) per bigha. During his visit to the Laldighi area under Godagari Upazila, he observed the implementation of fertilizer guidelines on 206 bighas of land through the Khamari App and engaged with local farmers.
In his address, Dr Emdad Ullah praised the significant developments in the region, facilitated by the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA). He noted that where previously only a single crop was cultivated, now three crops are produced annually, marking a substantial advancement. The event was attended by notable figures, including BMDA Executive Director Tariqul Alam, Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Saiful Alam, and other officials.
Dr Emdad Mian also stressed the importance of promoting less-irrigation consuming cereal crops instead of relying solely on irri-boro farming in the Barind area. He pointed out that promoting less-water consuming crops could effectively mitigate the water crisis in the region. Surface water irrigation was identified as a useful tool to alleviate the growing pressure on underground water resources in the drought-prone Barind area, which hosts numerous natural water bodies currently neglected and in poor condition.
The contributions of the BMDA to the Rajshahi Barind region have been extensive, leading to significant advancements in agricultural productivity, water resource management, and overall socio-economic development. BMDA’s initiatives have significantly impacted socio-economic development in 135 upazilas across 16 districts in the Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions, focusing primarily on agricultural development and water resource management.