Saving of huge crops possible thru\\\' weed management: Experts

RANGPUR, Dec 11 (BSS): Agricultural output can be increased substantially saving crops worth Taka 6,000 crore annually in Bangladesh through ensuring optimum and safe use of herbicides adopting the effective weed management methods.

According to experts, unrestricted growth of weeds causes damages to 37 percent crop yield in all seasons with 32.2 percent loss in food crops, 41.3 percent in cereals, 31.2 percent in pulses, 40.8 percent in oilseeds and 39.2 percent in fibre crops.

The huge quantity of crops could be saved through disseminating the latest technologies among farmers on weed management through safer use of herbicides by the agriculture scientists, researchers, extension officers and herbicide marketing people.

Talking to BSS, Associate Director- Agriculture of BRAC International (South Asia & Africa) Dr MA Mazid said extent of crop damages following growth of weeds could be reduced with proper management methods and safer use of herbicides in the crop fields.

He discussed the modern scientific knowledge on classification of weeds, weed control methods, herbicide mode of action, herbicide resistance and formulation, accurate calibration of sprayers and determination of spray volume.

Dr Mazid narrated the herbicide volume to be sprayed for specific land area, significance and utility of herbicide label and Material Safety Data Sheet, safety requirements and personal protective equipment required in spraying operation.