An eco-friendly trap set up in a cabbage field to grow toxin-free vegetables. The photo was taken from Jaigirhat area of Mithapukur upazila in Rangpur district — FE Photo RANGPUR, Feb 05: Local farmers have achieved a remarkable success in producing toxin-free vegetables in the district by using the eco-friendly pheromone trap method.
Pheromone is a chemical substance that is produced by an insect. It usually serves as a stimulus for other individuals of the same species. It is used in a certain product to attract and trap unwanted and harmful pests, according to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).
A capsule containing female sex hormone of insects is hung in the plastic bottle with one inch of soap-water and two holes are created in the middle of the container for insects' entrance. Set in the crop fields with bamboo sticks, the bottle tempts male insects which drown in the water and eventually die, DAE sources said.
The farmers are producing different vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, bottle gourd, bean, pumpkin etc by using this eco-friendly method in the district.
Some vegetable cultivators said they are to spend a huge amount of money on insecticides on their vegetable fields. On the other hand, they need to spend a nominal cost on using the pheromone trap. So, they prefer the method, they added.
Jubaer Mia, a farmer of Jaigirhat area under Mithapukur upazila, told The Financial Express that he has cultivated cabbage on 40 decimals of land by using the pheromone trap this season.
"For this, I can produce vegetables without spraying pesticides on my croplands. I've also got a good production and handsome profit this season. This is encouraging other farmers," he added.
Hasanur, another vegetable grower of Kukrul village under Rangpur Sadar upazila, said he has earned Tk 18,000 more by growing cauliflower on 45 decimals of land by using the pheromone trap instead of pesticides.
"These poison-free vegetables are fresh and tasty and also have huge demand," he added.
This method has appeared as a blessing for farmers against the backdrop of rampant use of toxic pesticides which cause harm for the ecological balance and public health, agriculture experts said.
Rangpur DAE deputy director Md Reaz Uddin said local peasants are showing very interest in using eco-friendly pheromone trap method instead of spraying pesticides.
Local DAE also provides necessary support for farmers to produce toxin-free vegetables.
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