Donga irrigation method reducing Boro paddy production cost in Bogra

BOGRA, Mar 18: A good number poor and marginal peasants of Jamuna and Bangalee river's basin area are reducing Boro paddy production cost using ancient donga method irrigation in Bogra district.

The method is gaining momentum elsewhere the area due to its low cost and effective production of the crops. The farmers can save minimum Tk 500 to 700 for each bigha of land with the assistance of the method.

Farmers of Mulbari, Lohagora, Mohespara, Vokonerpara, Khabulia, Sarolia, Mohobboterparara, Hasoraj, Harikhali, Pakulla, Niashintapur, Asarerpara, Sijaitpur, Khatiamarai, Milonerpara, Shampur, Takani Chukainagara, Porakaikor, Uttor Karomja, Dhankur, Kurechar and Ganiakandi villages are mostly emphasising on donga method instead of modern technique.

This system has both good sides. Among them, one is reducing irrigation cost another is good yield compare to electrical machine simultaneously.

"I have brought five bighas of land under Boro paddy cultivation this season using donga system irrigation," said farmer Asab Hossain, 34, at Saroloa village under the upazila. "I will save minimum Tk 3000 to 3500 compare to shallow machine irrigation." he added.

In a visit on Sunday, the correspondent found peasants of Tekany Chuainagar, Pakulla, Madhupur, Jorgachha and Digdair union have shown more interest to bring their Boro paddy irrigation system under ancient donga method.

The farmers are to purchase a donga with Tk 3000 to 3500. They can irrigate average 7 to 10 bighas of land with a donga every season. If a farmer buys a donga, he will use it minimum a decade. They get a precious yield previous year using the method.

Farmer Marjina Khatun, 43, at Khabulia village said she cultivate Boro paddy three bighas of land with donga system irrigation this season. She is also expecting cheap production cost and good yield.

Upazila agriculture officer of Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) Salah Uddin said farmers of the upazila have brought more than 1200 hectares of land under donga irrigation syster and saving more over Tk 6,00,000 every Boro season. They are using water of Bangalee and Jamuna Rivers simultonously, he added.

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