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Boosting Boro rice production to compensate for Aman losses

Published : Friday, 14 February, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 760
Shamiran Biswas
The country produced more than 16.6 million tons of rice in the Aman season of the 2023-24 fiscal year. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) had set a target of 16.8 million tons in the current fiscal year for Aman. But due to the impact of floods, about 1.1 million metric tons of rice were lost in the country due to heavy rainfall and unexpected floods due to increase in river water in August and October 2024. However, the recent two floods have disrupted Aman production this time. Therefore, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) fears that the rice yield may decrease to 14 million tons compared to last time. Due to this, the government has decided to import 500,000 tons of rice.

About 200,000 hectares of arable land were damaged in the Aman season due to severe floods in the southern part of Bangladesh. The most damage was caused in Feni, Noakhali, Comilla, Laxmipur, Moulvibazar, Habiganj and Brahmanbaria districts. Again, in early October, about one lakh hectares of Aman cropland was damaged in the flash floods in Sherpur and Mymensingh. In total, this time the cultivated area has decreased by about 250,000 hectares. As a result, the production of Aman may decrease from last time to 14 million tons.

From August 16 to 30, 23 districts of the country were affected by the terrible floods in history caused by the torrential rains and continuous heavy rains. These include Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Narsingdi, Kishoreganj, Comilla, Brahmanbaria, Chandpur, Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Sunamganj, Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Noakhali, Feni, Lakshmipur, Rangamati, Khagrachari, Natore, Khulna, Narail, Bagerhat and Jessore. According to the damage estimate of the Ministry of Agriculture, the target production of 986,214 metric tons of various crops including Aush, Aman rice, vegetables, ginger, turmeric, orchards, chili, betel, watermelon, papaya, and tomatoes was completely destroyed in this terrible flood. Of this, the most damage was caused to rice production.

Setting a target for Boro production in the 24-25 fiscal year: The government has taken up a plan to produce 22.6 million metric tons of Boro paddy from 50.70 million hectares of land this year. To achieve the best production as per the target, DAE is encouraging farmers to cultivate high-yielding varieties like BRRI-29. DAE said, "We are advising farmers to cultivate various mega varieties like BR-89, 92 and BR-102 so that farmers can get significant production. According to the target, hybrid rice will be cultivated on 14 lakh 94 thousand 920 hectares of land, high-yielding varieties on 35 lakh 61 thousand 12 hectares of land and local varieties on 13 thousand 500 hectares of land.

To ensure the production of current Boro rice, the government, farmers, agronomists and the concerned authorities need to take several important steps. To ensure the production of Boro rice-

Ensure the use of quality seeds: Ensure the supply of high-yielding (HYV) and disease-resistant varieties. Increase the introduction of natural disaster-tolerant varieties such as Bri-81, Bri-89, etc. Increase the efficiency of seed conservation and management through training of farmers.

“To make up for Aman rice losses, the focus should be on enhancing Boro rice production. Ensuring the availability of high-quality, disease-resistant seeds is essential, along with efficient irrigation and water management”

Proper management of irrigation and water: Keep irrigation canals and deep tube wells operational to ensure adequate water supply. Ensure proper use of groundwater and prevent water wastage. Apply modern irrigation methods (Alternate Wetting and Drying - AWD).

Adequate supply of fertilizers and pesticides: Ensure the supply of urea, TSP, MOP and zinc. Control the price of fertilizers so that farmers can easily get them. Take necessary measures to prevent insects and diseases.

Dealing with weather and natural disasters: Reach farmers with advance flood and drought forecasts. Cultivation of alternative varieties of Boro rice in flood and cyclone-prone areas. Planting seedlings at the appropriate time to protect against cold waves.

Provision of agricultural loans and incentives: Provision of agricultural loans on easy terms for small and medium farmers. Provision of compensation and incentives for farmers affected by natural disasters. Provision of government subsidies and free agricultural inputs to increase production.

Use of modern technology and training: Conduct training programs to teach farmers modern farming methods. Providing advice using digital technology through the Department of Agricultural Extension. Ensuring soil health testing and application of specific amounts of fertilizer.

Ensuring fair price and marketing of rice: Purchasing rice directly from farmers by fixing the purchase price of rice by the government. Reducing the oppression of middlemen and providing farmers with direct access to the market. Establishing adequate warehouses and air-conditioned storage systems for storing agricultural products.

If these steps are implemented, there is a possibility of good rice production in the current Boro season. The key to increasing production is the coordinated efforts of farmers, government and related organizations.

The writer is an Agriculture and Environment Specialist


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