[🇧🇩] Agriculture in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Can our crops survive the erratic weather?

Take urgent stock of the impact of El Nino on our agriculture

www.thedailystar.net

Can our crops survive the erratic weather?​

Take urgent stock of the impact of El Nino on our agriculture

Visual: Star

Like the rest of the world, Bangladesh is feeling the heat of extreme weather patterns, with meteorologists predicting lower rainfall and warmer temperatures as a result of El Nino in the region in the coming days. Heatwaves, which frequented the country in May and June, are likely to continue throughout the summer – and beyond. Meanwhile, rainfall has fallen 67 percent below the normal level, as per the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, raising serious concerns about crop production, food security and the fate of our farmers.

According to a report by this daily, heatwaves have impacted the cultivation of Aus crop and summer vegetables, including green chilli. The shortfall of rain will also affect the retting of jute, a cash crop. Rising temperatures and infrequent rain have resulted in prolonged droughts, reducing availability of water for irrigation and severely hampering crop production. Farmers state that their cost of Aus production has increased by 25 percent, and that croplands are drying out even after irrigation. Moreover, heat stress poses a direct threat to crops, especially heat-sensitive varieties. Production of chillies, for instance, has been gravely affected by the erratic temperatures. According to our correspondent, chilli growers in Bogura and Gaibandha districts would usually get 50-80 maunds of green chilli from one bigha of land, but this year, they are getting roughly seven to eight maunds per bigha. How are farmers supposed to survive if their cash crop fails them?

Given that countries from which we import food items are also reeling from similar erratic weather, we must now seriously confront the very real threat of food insecurity, particularly since we are navigating an already volatile international market held hostage by the Russia-Ukraine war. India, which accounts for 40 percent of world rice export, has already banned export of rice to other countries, including Bangladesh, fearing a production fall following a late start to seasonal monsoon rains. Our government must take urgent stock of the situation and take effective measures to ensure there is no disruption in the supply of essential food items in the coming days. Equally important is to ease farmers' concerns and sufferings at this time of great uncertainty by providing them with technical and financial support.

We also need to conduct reliable research on how El Nino and climate change will impact crop cycles in the future, and come up with heat-resistant varieties that can survive and thrive in erratic weather. As the world tumbles further down the hole of climate change, there can be no alternative to building our own capacities to sustain our crops and ensure food sovereignty for our population.
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[Saif]

Project to modernise farming must work

Farmers need to be motivated and given necessary tools on time

www.thedailystar.net

Project to modernise farming must work​

Farmers need to be motivated and given necessary tools on time

VISUAL: STAR

There is no question that the government's project to introduce integrated farming, using modern agricultural tools, is a farsighted initiative. In order to ensure higher yields, mechanisation of farming and cultivating larger plots of land are essential. The traditional farming of fragmented plots is not economically viable because it is not cost-effective to use mechanised farming on separate plots. Thus, some sort of consolidation of land is necessary to make this TK 3,020-crore project work. That is, however, proving difficult to implement. The project has reportedly encountered major bottlenecks in the form of farmers' reluctance to adopt the synchronised farming method.

As a result, a good policy initiative is finding no headway even after two years. One can imagine that the basic groundwork for getting all the farmers on board with this initiative, which was undertaken in 2021, has not been properly done.​

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The main idea behind the project is to boost crop production as well as reduce the cost of farming by using transplanters, harvesters and other equipment on 50 to 60 acres of land. But farmers are not eager to do away with the aisles separating their plots, which is a prerequisite for the project to work. While the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has demonstrated how this synchronised farming can be done with good results, by cultivating the hybrid SL-8 variety of Boro on 110 blocks in 61 districts, somehow farmers are still not fully convinced.

The Daily Star's report on this cites farmers in Tangail who alleged that they were ready to form groups among themselves and adopt the mechanised farming method, but they had not received the necessary equipment. The plan is to sell 51,300 machines among farmers at 50-70 percent discounts with subsidies, but as of December 2022, only 16,236 were distributed. This is a major gap and must be addressed immediately.


Having sufficient dialogue with the farmers to motivate them to remove the separating aisles in their plots and adopt this new method is vital. Farmers should be made to understand how efficient and cost-effective mechanised farming can be. This will ultimately lead to greater profits for them. Apart from a vigorous awareness campaign involving all stakeholders, the government must ensure that the farmers receive the various mechanised tools on time and with adequate training on how to use them. To gain their trust in the project, it must ensure that farmers' land rights are in no way jeopardised.
We urge the authorities to reinvigorate the project's implementation with full force. We need reforms like this in our agriculture to ensure our future food security and give our farmers the returns they so deserve for feeding the nation with their arduous efforts. Successful implementation of this project is therefore crucial.
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[Saif]

FBCCI focuses on supplying high-yielding seeds at an affordable cost to farmers

The Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) said on Wednesday that there is an urgent need to ensure quality seeds and modern storage facilities to increase agricultural production. FBCCI president Mahbubul Alam said this while speaking at a discussion meeting of the stan

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

FBCCI focuses on supplying high-yielding seeds at an affordable cost to farmers​

UNB​

Published :​

Mar 20, 2024 21:07

Updated :​

Mar 20, 2024 21:07

The Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) said on Wednesday that there is an urgent need to ensure quality seeds and modern storage facilities to increase agricultural production.

FBCCI president Mahbubul Alam said this while speaking at a discussion meeting of the standing committee on agriculture, agro-processing and agro-based industries at FBCCI’s Motijheel office on Wednesday.

He said that to achieve the desired productivity in agriculture, businessmen of this sector have given special importance to the availability of good quality high-yielding seeds at the farmer level, strengthening the food innovation process and climate-tolerant varieties and research.

Besides, businessmen emphasised agricultural mechanisation, establishment of specialised cold storage facilities, an improved supply system and processing of agricultural products to reduce production costs.

“We need to focus on research to improve seed quality. Also, more attention should be paid to the use of technology. As technology improves in agriculture, productivity will increase,” said the FBCCI president.

He said that farmers should be assured of getting a fair price of produce while policies should be implemented to protect their interests.

Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, chairman of the committee and chairman of Pran RFL Group, highlighted the importance of ensuring maximum utilisation of agricultural land and increasing productivity keeping in mind of future food security and growing demand.

Apart from traditional crops, he suggested increasing the production of horticulture, fisheries, livestock, and poultry including pulses and oilseeds.​

 

[Saif]

‘Ensuring technology to boost agri products’

Breaking News, International News & Multimedia

thedailynewnation.com

‘Ensuring technology to boost agri products’​

21 Mar 2024, 12:00 am0
Staff Reporter :

In a bid to achieve an agricultural productivity boost, businessmen and analysts have stressed the availability of improved varieties of seeds at the farmer level.

They also said that strengthening the food innovation process for high-yielding and climate-tolerant varieties, and conducting research have been given special importance in the agricultural sector.

Besides, they also emphasised agricultural mechanisation, the establishment of specialised cold storage, an improved supply system, and the processing of agricultural products to reduce production costs.

The panel discussed these issues in a meeting of the standing committee on agriculture, agro-processing, and agro-based industries at FBCCI’s Motijheel office on Wednesday.

Addressing the chief guest at the meeting, FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam said that the most important thing in the development of agriculture is quality and advanced varieties of seeds.

” We need to focus on research to improve seed quality. Also, more attention should be paid to the use of technology.

As technology improves in agriculture, productivity will increase.” said Mahbubul.

He placed special importance on’building a cool-chain network’ across the country to prevent wastage of agricultural products at various stages, from production to marketing.

Calling for a change in the mentality of the farmers, the FBCCI president said that the farmers should get a fair price for their produce.

Policies should be implemented to protect their interests.

FBCCI senior vice president Md. Amin Helaly urged everyone to adopt short-, medium-, and long-term plans centred on agriculture to ensure sustainable development.

Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, chairman of the committee and chairman of PRAN-RFL Group, highlighted the importance of ensuring maximum utilisation of agricultural land and increasing productivity, keeping in mind future food security and increasing demand.

He further suggested focusing on increasing the production of crops like horticulture, fisheries, livestock, and poultry, along with pulses and oilseeds, in addition to traditional crops.

FBCCI panel advisor and prominent media personality Shykh Seraj said, “It is necessary to create a crop calendar in the country to increase agricultural productivity and ensure farmers get fair prices.”

He suggested the formation of farmers’ associations to identify and solve farmers’ problems.

Shykh Seraj called for public-private joint initiatives to implement compliance and GAP (good agricultural practices) in the value addition, processing, and export of agricultural products.

The director-in-charge of the committee and director of FBCCI, Mohammad Ishaqul Hossain Sweet, called for specific suggestions and recommendations in written form to the committee members to find solutions to the challenges and solutions of the agriculture sector.​

 

[Saif]

BD targets ambitious 5.81m tonne maize output after record yield

Rocketing demand for maize from the feed and food-processing industries is driving the continued expansion of the cereal crop's farming across the country, with production reaching an all-time high in the last financial year. Maize production reached a record 4.55 million tonnes in the last FY,

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BD targets ambitious 5.81m tonne maize output after record yield​

YASIR WARDAD

Published :​

Mar 25, 2024 00:49

Updated :​

Mar 25, 2024 00:49

Rocketing demand for maize from the feed and food-processing industries is driving the continued expansion of the cereal crop's farming across the country, with production reaching an all-time high in the last financial year.

Maize production reached a record 4.55 million tonnes in the last FY, cultivated on over 0.5 million hectares of land across both winter and summer seasons, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).

However, this local production is proving insufficient, with traders also importing large volumes of maize annually to meet demand.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) is ambitious for the current season, setting a target to harvest a record-breaking 5.81 million tonnes of maize from 0.543 million hectares.

"For the ongoing Rabi [winter] season, our target was to cultivate maize on 0.524 million hectares, but farmers have exceeded expectations by planting on 0.543 million hectares," said Dr Tajul Islam Patwary, Director of the DAE Field Service Wing.

He said the climate is so well-suited to maize that they expect production to even surpass 5.8 million tonnes. Harvesting has already begun (around 4 per cent complete) and will continue until June.

Dr Golam Faruq, director general of the Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute, pointed to the high prices for maize amid surging demand from the feed industry, currently exceeding Tk 34 per kg.

"Maize production offers farmers a minimum profit margin of 60 per cent, which has incentivised many to switch from crops like potato, vegetables and even rice to maize cultivation in the northern, northwestern, southwestern and central regions of the country over the past five years," said Dr Faruq.

The Feed Industries Association of Bangladesh President Shamsul Arefin Khaled elaborated on maize use, saying that 50-60 per cent of the local agri output is used in poultry feed, with another 12 per cent going to animal feed.

"Beyond the feed industry, the confectionery, hotel and restaurant sectors are also significant consumers of maize," he added.

Maize produced in Bangladesh is favoured by local industries for its superior quality, according to Mr Khaled, encouraging efforts to source as much maize as possible from domestic markets.

Maize silage -- a fermented livestock feed replacing traditional grass -- has grown in popularity.

Mr Khaled said silage can reduce grain feed requirements by up to 30 per cent. Besides, 10-15 per cent of maize is allocated for the fish feed industry.

He said while domestic maize production has increased fivefold in the past fifteen years, demand has grown even faster.

To meet the rising demand of 6.0-6.5 million tonnes, private companies also require imported maize. According to the Plant Quarantine Wing, private importers brought in 2.0 to 2.4 million tonnes of maize over the last five years.

Farm economist Professor Golam Hafiz Kennedy traced the origins of maize cultivation in Bangladesh to the 1990s, following the expansion of the poultry industry.

He highlighted how the production of maize, jute, meat and milk has enormously contributed to improving living standards for local farmers.

Maize cultivation, in particular, has emerged as a pivotal factor in alleviating poverty among farmers in the northern and southwestern regions, said Professor Kennedy.

He provided an example: farmers in Nilphamari can earn Tk 40,000 to Tk 42,000 from selling maize grown on 33 decimals of land, with a maximum investment of Tk 16,000.

Such profits are difficult with other crops.

However, Professor Kennedy cautioned that a drop in demand from the feed industry can sometimes bring hardship to farmers.

Sadid Jamil, managing director of Metal, an agro-machinery company, said the availability of modern equipment for land preparation, harvesting and shelling has further encouraged farmers to cultivate maize.

Farmers now harvest maize using combine harvesters and then extract kernels from the cobs using modern maize shellers, said the Metal MD.

He added that maize shellers have reduced threshing costs by 80 per cent in most regions.​

 

[Saif]

Mango buds bloom in abundance

Mango buds on trees are in abundance in Thakurgaon following a favourable weather, showing a bright prospect for a good yield of the juicy summer fruit.

www.thedailystar.net

Mango buds bloom in abundance

Mango buds on trees are in abundance in Thakurgaon following a favourable weather, showing a bright prospect for a good yield of the juicy summer fruit.

Visiting mango orchards in different areas of the district, this correspondent observed yellowish mango buds are adorning the branches, while the fragrance fills up the air in and around the orchards.

Mango is being cultivated in orchards on 7,950 acres of land in the district this year, including 1,465.9 acres in Sadar upazila, 2,981.8 acres in Pirganj, 1,078.94 acres in Baliadangi, 1,767 acres in Ranishankoil and 662.39 acres in Haripur upazila, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).

Buds started appearing in the trees in the middle of winter. Usually, budding begins in mid-January and continues till Mid-March.

Last year, about 42,680 tonnes of mangoes of over 20 varieties were produced in the district, DAE sources said.

The most prominent mango varieties cultivated in Thakurgaon are Surjapuri, Fazli, Amrapali, Misribhog, Haribhanga, Bandigori and Ashwina.

Abdur Rahim, 55, of Bara Palashbari village under Baliadangi upazila, has a 33-acre mango orchard.

"On an average, Tk 30,000 is needed to cultivate mango for per acre of land to get a yield of around 200-250 maunds," he said, adding that last year he earned a profit of Tk 1.7 lakh per acre.

"The trees are bearing more buds than last year," said Rahim.

Mango traders from different parts of the country including Dhaka are already signing up agreements with mango growers in the district and making handsome advance payments, he informed.

Sirajul Islam, deputy director of DAE in Thakuraon said, "With the onset of spring, the temperature is rising favourably in the region, which is necessary for the buds to transform to fruits."​

 

[Saif]

Govt to introduce solar irrigation in agriculture sector: Nasrul Hamid

With sincere efforts, the government will introduce solar irrigation by reducing the number of diesel irrigation pumps in the agriculture sector. “There are about 1.2 million (12 lakh) diesel irrigation pumps in the agriculture sector across the country that will be transformed into solar ir

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Govt to introduce solar irrigation in agriculture sector: Nasrul Hamid
Published :​

Mar 30, 2024 17:56

Updated :​

Mar 30, 2024 17:56

With sincere efforts, the government will introduce solar irrigation by reducing the number of diesel irrigation pumps in the agriculture sector.

"There are about 1.2 million (12 lakh) diesel irrigation pumps in the agriculture sector across the country that will be transformed into solar irrigation," State Minister for Power and Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid told BSS on Saturday.

"To combat the effects of climate change, the government's target is to produce 4,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity from renewable energy by 2030," he added.

The state minister said the government has a roadmap to increase power from renewable energy sources up to 12,000 MW in the future, reports BSS.

"A plan has been taken to generate 40 per cent power from clean energy by 2041 and import about 9,000 MW under regional and sub-regional cooperation from neighbouring countries," he said.

But experts said that lack of land and investment are the big challenges for expanding renewable energy and electricity generation in the country.

They mentioned that developed countries have been pressuring developing countries to reduce fossil fuel and increase renewable energy in order to deal with the risks of climate change.

Bangladesh is now enjoying 100 per cent electrification due to the visionary and prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Electricity has reached all houses, from inaccessible hills to isolated char areas, successfully, the experts said.

The state minister said in such a situation, the government has required long-term plan to reduce coal fired power plants and increase renewable energy in the country, adding, "Under the energy transition, solar power is being prioritized in agriculture instead of diesel irrigation pumps."

According to an analysis of the government plan in renewable energy sector, the production target from 51 projects in the short and medium term is 3748 MW. Out of the target, 647 MW will be in the public sector and 3101 MW from solar, wind and waste based power in the private sector solar.

The government's long-term plan emphasises importing renewable energy from neighbouring countries. The prospective generation target is 8299 MW from 74 ongoing projects.

Major portion of the power (6493 MW) will come from the private sector. However, experts mentioned that investment, modernisation of grid lines as a challenge to implement the plan.

Apart from this, construction works are going on for 100 MW Solar Power Plant at Madarganj in Jamalpur, 68 MW Solar Park in Sirajganj, 50 MW Solar Power Plant Construction Project in Sonagazi in Feni, 30 MW (AC) Solar Park at Tetulia, by Beximco Power Company Ltd and Jiangsu Zhongtian Technology Co Ltd, 32 MW (AC) Solar Park at Dharampasha, Sunamganj by Haor Bangla-Korea Green Energy Ltd, 5 MW (AC) Solar Park at Patgram, Lalmonirhat by PV Power Patgram Ltd, 5 MW (AC) Solar Park at Gowainghat, Sylhet by Sun Solar Power Plant Ltd and 200 MW (AC) Solar Park at Sundarganj, Gaibandha by Beximco Power Co Ltd.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh allocates Tk 385b for agriculture, aiming for 10pc annual growth by FY26

The government has earmarked Tk 385 billion for agricultural development over the next three years, targeting an average annual growth of 10 per cent in the sector by the fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26). This investment underscores agriculture's pivotal role in achieving food security and driving equit

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh allocates Tk 385b for agriculture, aiming for 10pc annual growth by FY26
Published :
Apr 15, 2024 11:54
Updated :
Apr 15, 2024 22:16

The government has earmarked Tk 385 billion for agricultural development over the next three years, targeting an average annual growth of 10 per cent in the sector by the fiscal year 2025-26 (FY26).

This investment underscores agriculture's pivotal role in achieving food security and driving equitable economic growth, according to the 'Medium Term Macroeconomic Policy Statement (2023-24 to 2025-26)'.

Despite a diminishing share in GDP, agriculture remains critical for the livelihood of the majority, particularly in rural areas. To boost food production and resilience against adversities, the government's strategy includes developing high-yield and adversity-tolerant crop varieties, expanding mechanisation and irrigation, and improving access to affordable inputs like seeds and fertilisers.

According to a UNB report, the policy document highlights several initiatives aimed at modernising agriculture through technology. These include increasing the use of surface water for irrigation over groundwater to conserve resources, incorporating renewable energy solutions, and employing remote sensing for crop monitoring.

The government also continues to support the sector with subsidies, financial incentives, and technological innovations to foster a sustainable and self-reliant agricultural framework.

Significant contributions also come from the fisheries and livestock sub-sectors, which not only bolster GDP 2.53% and 1.91%, respectively, but also provide essential protein sources and livelihoods for over 12% of the population. Achievements in these areas include self-sufficiency in fish, meat, and egg production, with milk expected to follow.

Moreover, these sectors are vital for foreign exchange earnings through exports.

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is set to launch development projects to enhance production capacities, adopt advanced management technologies, and improve conservation efforts, particularly for young hilsa fish ('jatka').

Water resource management is another focal area, given its importance to sustainable agriculture. Initiatives are underway to improve surface water availability through the excavation of water bodies and the enhancement of coastal afforestation, aiming to secure equitable water shares from transboundary rivers.

Amid threats of substantial economic losses due to climate change projected at a 6.8% reduction in GDP by 2030, the government has prioritised comprehensive strategies to mitigate these impacts. The Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan is designed to equip vulnerable sectors and communities with the tools to enhance resilience and stability against climate-related disruptions.

Through these multifaceted efforts, Bangladesh is taking decisive steps to not only safeguard but also advance its agricultural heritage in the face of evolving global challenges.​

 

[Saif]

‘Agricultural sector shines while industrial, service sectors struggle’

Breaking News, International News & Multimedia

thedailynewnation.com

'Agricultural sector shines while industrial, service sectors struggle'
16 Apr 2024, 12:00 am

Staff reporter :

The latest statistics released by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reveal a significant downturn in the growth of the industrial and service sectors during the last quarter of October to December.

Conversely, the agricultural sector has witnessed a remarkable increase in its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This data sheds light on the economic dynamics of the country, indicating both challenges and opportunities.

BBS's calculation of GDP growth, considering three primary sectors regionally, indicates a noticeable decline in the growth rates of the industrial and service sectors, resulting in an overall reduction in growth.

The regional GDP growth rate for the second quarter of the current fiscal year plummeted to 3.78%, a substantial decrease compared to the previous fiscal year's second-quarter growth rate of over 7% and the 9.30% growth rate in the fiscal year 2021–22.

This setback in growth is not only evident in comparison to the last two fiscal years but also in contrast to the first quarter of the current fiscal year, where GDP growth was above 6%. However, in the second quarter, it dwindled to nearly 4%.

The industrial sector experienced a significant decline in growth, with GDP growth plummeting to 3.24% in the October–December quarter of the current fiscal year.

This is in stark contrast to the 10% growth witnessed during the same period in the previous fiscal year and the approximately 14% growth recorded in the fiscal year 2021–22, making it the lowest growth quarter in the industrial sector in the last three fiscal years.

Conversely, the agricultural sector has showcased robust growth, recording a growth rate of 4.65% in the second quarter of the current fiscal year.

This marks a notable increase compared to the growth rates of 4.22% and 2.20% in the same period of the previous two fiscal years, respectively, positioning it as the sector with the highest growth in the last three fiscal years.

Despite the agricultural sector's commendable performance, the service sector, akin to the industrial sector, has witnessed a significant decline in growth during the October–December quarter of the current fiscal year.

With a growth rate of 3.06% in this period, the service sector's growth is less than half of what it was during the same period in the previous fiscal year, which was at 6.62%.

Khandaker Golam Moazzem, the research director at the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), attributes the decline in industrial growth to crises in the glass and dollar markets, alongside a decrease in demand for high-value goods.

Additionally, high inflation has contributed to the downturn in service sector growth, as increased expenses across various service sectors have deterred consumer spending.

Despite the economic challenges, the agricultural sector has flourished, experiencing increased internal production due to reduced imports and rising domestic prices.

The government's initiatives to support agricultural production have further bolstered this growth.

Moazzem emphasises that, amidst the economic crisis, the government's effective supply of essential resources to the agricultural sector has ensured its resilience.

While the industrial and service sectors grapple with challenges, the agricultural sector's growth bodes well for the economy, offering stability and security in terms of food production.​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/farmers-to-get-fair-price-for-rice-agriculture-minister

Farmers to get fair price for rice: Agriculture Minister
UNB
Published :
Apr 19, 2024 20:58
Updated :
Apr 19, 2024 20:58

The price of rice will be fixed in such a way that farmers get a fair price, Agriculture Minister Dr. Mohammed Abdus Shahid said on Friday.

Besides, the government is implementing various initiatives to de-risk Haor crops, he said.

The Minister was speaking at a Boro paddy cutting festival organised by the DC office and Agricultural Extension Department in Bahadurpur village of Sunamganj's Sadar Upazila on Friday.

Earlier, the minister distributed combine harvester machines among the farmers.

Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is providing combine harvesters and reapers to farmers with a 70 per cent subsidy so that they can bring their crops within a short time.

Addressing the farmers, the minister said that as there is a risk of crops in Haor areas getting submerged, early and short-lived varieties of paddy should be cultivated.

"The production of new varieties of rice invented by scientists in Bangladesh is very high, so cultivate them," added the minister.

Regarding the price of paddy, the minister said that the meeting will be held after two days to fix the price of paddy. It will ensure that farmers get a fair price. The price of rice will be determined in such a way that the farmers are encouraged to grow paddy, he said.

He said that strict attention should be paid to ensure that only real farmers can sell paddy at a fair price. "Upazila Chairmen should keep a close eye so that no syndicate is formed in the sale of paddy."

Former minister MA Mannan, lawmakers Mohammad Sadiq and Ranjit Chandra Sarkar, Secretary of Ministry of Water Resources Nazmul Ahsan, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture Malay Chowdhury, Chairman of BADC Abdullah Sajjad, Director General of Directorate of Agriculture Badal Chandra Biswas, Director General of Rice Research Institute Shahjahan Kabir, Director General of Atomic Agriculture Research Institute Mirza Mofazzal Islam, Deputy Commissioner Rashed Iqbal Chowdhury and others spoke.​

 

[Saif]

Agri production fall feared amid heatwave

Rice fields began developing cracks as vast landscapes lay parched from about two weeks of intense heat conditions, with farmers battling a severe power crisis in irrigating cropland...

www.newagebd.net

Agri production fall feared amid heatwave
Emran Hossain 25 April, 2024, 00:17

Rice fields began developing cracks as vast landscapes lay parched from about two weeks of intense heat conditions, with farmers battling a severe power crisis in irrigating cropland.

Farmers, hit hard by inflation for over two years now, on top of the Covid-19 pandemic aftermath, face potentially catastrophic consequences as the government has left them on their own, asking them to irrigate fields using diesel-run water pumps.

Crop fields lay badly scorched from a blazing sun that has burned most of Bangladesh with temperatures above 36C since April 11, except for days when it got as warm as 40C or even more, squeezing every bit of moisture out of the soil.

On Wednesday, Bangladesh's maximum temperature of 41.6C was recorded in Mongla, with a severe heatwave sweeping over the entire division of Khulna and the districts of Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Rajshahi, Pabna, Faridpur, and Gopalganj.

The Directorate General of Health Services confirmed three more deaths in heat strokes, taking the official death toll to four, less than a fourth of the deaths unofficially reported in the heatwave.

The combined strike of heat and drought stresses could bear significant consequences, agriculturists warned, explaining how temperatures above 35C affect the physiology of plants, potentially decimating yields.

Besides the staple grain boro, there are over a dozen crops in the field, agriculturists said, in addition to horticulture crops such as mango and litchi.

The main concern, however, arose over potential boro production losses. Boro accounts for about half of Bangladesh's annual rice grain production of about 4 crore.

The heatwave showed no sign of letting up anytime soon and rather worsened over the past two days. Load-shedding neared 1,500MW on Wednesday.

'Four hours of power supply after midnight is all farmers need to save the day,' said Abdullah Al Faisal, upazila agriculture officer, Jamalpur, reporting cracks developed in some fields in Chhobilapur.

But power cuts are so frequent in the rural areas of Jamalpur, like many other villages in Bangladesh, that farmers do not get even the minimum supply of electricity. Faisal informed the local power office about the situation, but it yielded no result.

'Farmers have been advised to arrange for irrigation using diesel,' he said.

High temperatures and droughts impact rice plants at every stage of their growth, agronomists said.

The higher the temperature, the more the rice plant uses its energy to cool off rather than forming grain, explained Abdul Kader, who teaches agronomy at Bangladesh Agricultural University.

High temperatures and drought also dry up the sticky substance on which pollen are stuck in the process of pollination, he said.

'Rice production gets hampered when the temperature exceeds 35C,' said Kader, sharing his fear that 40C might seriously affect production.

'Only artificial irrigation can save farmers,' he said.

Over 80 per cent of boro cultivated on 48.56 lakh hectares is still in the field, mostly at the flowering stage, implying that their pollination could seriously be impacted by the extreme heat conditions, according to officials at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute.

The present time is very crucial for rice growth in Bangladesh, the BRRI officials said, explaining that the temperature staying above 36C even for a very brief period could seriously hamper flowering, particularly between the hours of 9:30am and 11:30am.

'Less flowering means less grain and more sterility,' said Niaz Md Farhat Rahman, principal scientific officer, BRRI.

The BRRI advised farmers to maintain a water depth of five to seven cm in rice fields and harvest rice once it is 80 per cent mature.

The heat might not have any impacts on mature rice plants, BRRI officials said.

The physiologies of other plants are impacted almost in the same way as rice plants by heat and drought stresses.

Extreme temperatures also affect photosynthesis in plants by causing leaves to burn, cringe, or disfigure in any other way.

The neck blast disease could also be triggered by high temperatures.

Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute senior scientific officer Muhammad Nazim Uddin feared that a fourth of all vegetable production in the season could fall because of the heatwave.

Excessive temperature at the time of flowering could result in plants having excessive male flowers, he said, adding that at least 15 summer vegetables were in the field.

'Too much dryness could also make it difficult for trees to hold onto their flowers,' said Nazim.

New Age Staff Correspondent in Rajshahi reported a great loss of flowers and buds in mango and litchi trees.

Ahsan Habib, a mango farmer in Shibganj, Chapainawabganj, said that his mango orchard lost 30 per cent of its buds because of heat and drought.

Another farmer in Iswardi of Pabna, Selim Reza, told New Age that his litchi orchards on 15 bighas of the land saw fifty per cent less flowering.

The heatwave and drought are also drying up jute and maize fields in the Chars in Rajshahi.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department, in its daily weather bulletin issued at 6:00pm predicted the weather to remain hot and dry the rest of the month, except for some rainfall in Sylhet and Chattogram.

The BMD said that a mild to moderate heatwave was sweeping over Barishal division and the rest of Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Dhaka divisions, as well as the districts of Mymensingh, Moulviabazar, Rangamati, Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, and Bandarban.

Dhaka saw the temperature rise to 39.2C on Wednesday.

At 1:00am on Wednesday, load-shedding reached 1,468MW with 14,163MW generated against the demand of 15,700MW.

Bangladesh has an installed capacity of over 27,000MW. Half of the capacity stays idle because of fuel shortages.

Almost all educational institutions have suspended in-person classes and switched to online classes because of the heatwave.

Dhaka recorded the second-hottest day on April 20 in 64 years.​

 

[Saif]

‘5-yield a year rice variety shows food safety hope’

Breaking News, International News & Multimedia

thedailynewnation.com

'5-yield a year rice variety shows food safety hope'
25 Apr 2024, 12:14 pm

Staff Reporter :

Dr. Abed Chowdhury, an expatriate Bangladeshi scientist from Australia, has garnered praise for his groundbreaking invention of 'Panchabrihi' rice, hailed as a significant achievement for Bangladesh's agricultural sector.

Dhaka University Pro-VC Prof. Dr. Sitesh Chandra Bachar, commended the innovation, emphasising its potential to address the country's food security challenges. Speaking at a seminar titled "Panchabrihi Multi-harvest Rice: A Pathway to Food Security and Climate Migration," organised by DU's Centre for Advanced Research in Sciences (CARS) in collaboration with the Bangladesh Freedom Foundation (BFF), Prof. Bachar underscored the importance of the 'five-yield-a-year' rice variety in meeting the growing food demand of the nation.

Prof. Bachar highlighted the pressing concerns of population growth coupled with shrinking arable land, exacerbated by the effects of climate change and the limitations of traditional single-yield rice production. He warned of potential food crises in the future if proactive measures are not taken.

He further emphasised the significance of research and innovation, emphasising their pivotal role in addressing the looming food security challenges.

Prof. Bachar expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts between Dhaka University, the government, and relevant institutions, including DU's CARS, in advancing research initiatives aimed at ensuring food security and sustainability.

Prof. Bachar expressed optimism and said, "The people of Bangladesh would reap significant benefits from this revolutionary invention. The 'Panchabrihi' rice variant, capable of producing yields five times a year from the same plant, represents a remarkable advancement in agricultural technology."

"Unlike traditional practices where farmers must uproot and replant new seeds during the Aus season and subsequently repeat the process during the Amon season, the 'Panchabrihi' offers a transformative solution. Farmers can now achieve five harvests in a single year, starting with a Boro season followed by two Aus and two Amon seasons, all without the need for extensive replanting," added the professor.

The seminar, chaired by CARS director Professor Dr. Istaik M. Sayed, provided a platform to showcase the potential of the 'Panchabrihi' rice. Dr. Abed Chowdhury, the mastermind behind the invention, delivered the keynote address, elucidating the groundbreaking features and implications of the rice variant.

Special guests, including Member of Parliament (MP) Safiul Alam Chowdhury and former education secretary Md. Nazrul Islam Khan, graced the event with their presence. Their attendance underscored the significance of this innovative solution in addressing the challenges facing Bangladesh's agricultural sector and ensuring food security for its populace.

 

[Saif]

StanChart, Channel i honour 11 agriculture heroes at 9th Agrow Award

Standard Chartered Bangladesh and Channel i jointly awarded 11 individuals and institutions at the 9th Agrow Award for their contributions towards achieving climate adaptation goals, building sustainable networks, supplementing value chains, research initiatives, and driving tangible change...

www.thedailystar.net

StanChart, Channel i honour 11 agriculture heroes at 9th Agrow Award

Md Abdur Rahman, minister for fisheries and livestock, poses for photographs with award winners at the 9th Aglow Award jointly organised by Standard Chartered Bangladesh and Channel I at InterContinental Dhaka on Friday. Photo: Standard Chartered Bangladesh

Standard Chartered Bangladesh and Channel i jointly awarded 11 individuals and institutions at the 9th Agrow Award for their contributions towards achieving climate adaptation goals, building sustainable networks, supplementing value chains, research initiatives, and driving tangible change across homesteads and commercial agricultural operations.

Md Abdur Rahman, minister for fisheries and livestock, attended the ceremony as chief guest and handed out crests and prize money to winners at the InterContinental Dhaka on Friday, according to a press release.

Although the organisers were supposed to confer awards in 12 categories, they did not get qualified nominees in one category.

Md Abul Kalam Azad was awarded "Farmer of The Year (male)", while Tania Parvin won in the female category.

Sanwar Hossain got the "Heroes for Change" award while Md Siddik Hosen and Sabitri Biswas were awarded the "Most Resilient Farmer of the Year" award in the male and female category respectively.

Besides, Mrinmoy Guha Neogi won the "Climate Adaptation Solution of the Year", Shahanuare Shaid Shahin of Daily Kaler Kantho bagged the "Best Journalist" prize, and Mohammad Al-Mamun was chosen as "Jury Special".

MA Sattar Mandal, professor emeritus of the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), won the lifetime achievement award.

PRAN Dairy bagged the award for the "Best Agricultural Exporter" while iFarmer was awarded as the "Best Agricultural Organisation in Support and Execution".

The most Agrow Award honorees bring the total number of recipients to 77.

At the event, Naser Ezaz Bijoy, chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said: "This year's Agrow Award winners do exactly what is needed to meet the need of the hour -- their efforts reflect resilience and the urgency in use of technology and innovation."

Faridur Reza Sagar, managing director of Channel i, said: "Agriculture and farmers are playing an important role in the progress of Bangladesh. From agricultural production to agricultural trade, a light of immense potential is constantly spreading. We want to spread that light throughout the country."

Shykh Seraj, director and head of news at Channel i, said: "Those who received the Agrow Award have made a great contribution in their respective fields. Channel i is delighted to honour these dedicated people in collaboration with Standard Chartered Bangladesh."​

 

[Saif]

Agricultural machinery imports from China to increase: Minister

Agricultural Minister Dr Md Abdus Shahid on Monday said that the government would ramp up the imports of agricultural machinery from China. ‘We have been importing a lot of [agricultural] machinery from China and we plan to increase that volume,” he said after meeting with Chinese Amba

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Agricultural machinery imports from China to increase: Minister
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Apr 29, 2024 18:06
Updated :
Apr 29, 2024 19:01

Agricultural Minister Dr Md Abdus Shahid on Monday said that the government would ramp up the imports of agricultural machinery from China.

'We have been importing a lot of [agricultural] machinery from China and we plan to increase that volume," he said after meeting with Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka Yen Wao at the former's office.

When asked about the specific type of agricultural machinery imports to be increased, Dr Shahid noted that agricultural machinery such as harvesters and tillers, which are necessary for enhancing agricultural productivity, would be included in the increased imports.

The agricultural minister added that these increased imports would be secured at a discounted price.​

 

[Saif]

China keen to import mangoes from Bangladesh

China expressed its keenness to import mango from Bangladesh this year, said Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen. The Chinese Ambassador came up with the information while talking to the Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdus Shahid at the Secretariat on Monday, reports UNB. An expert delega

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

China keen to import mangoes from Bangladesh
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Apr 29, 2024 21:20
Updated :
Apr 29, 2024 21:20

China expressed its keenness to import mango from Bangladesh this year, said Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen.

The Chinese Ambassador came up with the information while talking to the Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdus Shahid at the Secretariat on Monday, reports UNB.

An expert delegation from China will likely visit the country, specifically the mango orchards and production facilities, in the first week of June.

Bangladesh will approve the export of mangoes based on the report of the Chinese delegation.

Additional secretary to the Agriculture Ministry Moloy Chowdhury, joint secretary Md Mahmudur Rahman were present there.

Expecting Chinese investment in the agriculture sector, the minister said Bangladesh needs modern and technical assistance to modernise and mechanise agriculture sector, especially, the country's farmers need China's cooperation so that the farmers can get modern agricultural machinery at low price, as we can purchase machines from China at a relatively low price."

Earlier, the Agriculture Minister met Ambassador of the Netherlands in Bangladesh Irma van Dueren.

The meeting stressed the need for strengthening mutual cooperation in the agriculture sector and working together on strengthening agricultural research and technology exchange.

The meeting also discussed the construction and launch of onion storage in Mymensingh's Bhaluka at the initiative of the Netherlands government.

Onions can be stored throughout the year in this storage, which will be inaugurated officially on May 2.

Noting that onion is an important crop of Bangladesh, the minister said, "To become self-sufficient in onion, we are emphasising increasing onion production and preservation."

The initiative of the Netherlands government will play a very helpful role in this regard.​