Seed crisis worries Boro farmers in Sylhet
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
SYLHET, Dec 12 (UNB): Farmers of Sylhet region have become anxious due to seed crisis ahead of Boro season.
Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) sources said a target has been set to bring 73,105 hectares of land under Boro paddy cultivation this season in the region.
Farmers said though the land and weather is suitable for Boro cultivation, they are facing problems in cultivating the paddy due to acute seed scarcity.
DAE sources said 50 per cent of seeds against the demand are supplied to the farmers through Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) while 10 per cent of the demand is fulfilled from the farmers' preserved stock and so they are facing 40 per cent shortfall of seeds.
Besides, it is alleged that dishonest traders have been selling sub-standard seeds at a high price in the market as the supply of government seeds is inadequate.
Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) sources said a target has been set to bring 73,105 hectares of land under Boro paddy cultivation this season in the region.
Farmers said though the land and weather is suitable for Boro cultivation, they are facing problems in cultivating the paddy due to acute seed scarcity.
DAE sources said 50 per cent of seeds against the demand are supplied to the farmers through Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) while 10 per cent of the demand is fulfilled from the farmers' preserved stock and so they are facing 40 per cent shortfall of seeds.
Besides, it is alleged that dishonest traders have been selling sub-standard seeds at a high price in the market as the supply of government seeds is inadequate.