Load shedding, high price of urea hit Boro farming in Magura

MAGURA, Jan 18: Boro cultivation is facing setback in Magura.

Severe load shedding, chilly weather and high price of urea fertilisers have raised concern among the Boro farmers in Magura. The farmers are in panic over achieving the target in the district.

Agriculture Extension Department (DAE) Magura said, a total of 38,500 hectares of land has been brought under Boro cultivation in the district.

Farmers sources said, they are facing extreme load shedding at present. The irrigation work in the Boro land is hampered as they could not supply water timely. Magura Power Development Board sources said, the supply of power in the district per day is 4.5 mw on an average while the requirement is 6.5 mw. They are also compelled to purchase urea at Tk 24 per kg while government fixed rate is Tk 16. Due to chilly weather farm workers are unwilling to work in the land.

DAE, Magura sources said, Boro seedbeds in about 500 hectares of land in the district have been attacked with cold injuries due to intense cold along with dense fog. Unless the weather improves within a week the total Boro seeds in the district may be damaged.

When contacted, Mokhlesur Rahman, deputy director, Magura DAE admitted Boro seedbeds in the district are being attacked with cold injuries. He said, load shedding during Boro season is a common issue in our country. When he was asked about selling urea at exorbitant rate he said, if written allegation comes against any dealer we will take stern action in this regard.