Steps taken to boost crops output in Sylhet division

The government has launched a project to boost crops production by 5-10 per cent in 30 upazilas of Sylhet division using modern and scientific method as well as providing necessary training to the farmers, reports BSS.
Under the project, maximum uses of the large amount of land which remains uncultivated in different crop seasons in this region would be ensured by formulating effective plan. Besides, marketing system would also be strengthened so that the farmers could easily sell their products.
"The average crop density in Sylhet region is low compared to the national average. That is why the project has been taken to enhance the crop production using scientific method to secure food security," said Planning Minister A H M Mustafa Kamal.
He said department of agriculture extension (DAE), Bangladesh agricultural development corporation (BADC) and department of agriculture marketing (DAM) have been jointly entrusted with the task of implementing the project by 2019 involving Tk 740 million (74 crore).
A DAE survey showed nearly 0.164 million (1.64 lakh) hectors of land in Sylhet division remains uncultivated in Robi season while nearly 0.182 million hectors in Khari-1 season and 0.071 million hectors in Kharip-2 season.
According to the Development Project Proforma (DPP), the key target of the project is to increase crop production by 5-10 per cent adopting sustainable agriculture technology as well as developing the marketing system in Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulavibazar and Habiganj districts.
Besides, the farmers would be encouraged through training for using hybrid species, quality seeds, pesticide management and proper nursing, and complete irrigation system.
In addition, market information and other services would be made available to raise the profit margin of farmers alongside establishing sustainable relation between farmers, businessmen and exporters to reduce marketing cost.
The DDP said Sylhet and Moulavibazar districts are covered with semi hills while physiography of Sunamganj and Habiganj districts are low and extreme low lands which always suffer from flood, drought, excessive rain and other natural calamities. Thus maximum utilisation of the lands become impossible. Under the project, DAE will provide training to 2450 batches of farmers, 2000 batches of beneficiary farmers, 40 batches of SSO and four batches of officers alongside 500 field days and motivating trip for farmers.
It will also organise 14,112 exhibitions on different crops, 25 seminars/workshops, and 15 agriculture fairs in district level while 100 fairs at upazila level.
Besides, the DAM will organise training on crops harvesting, food processing, entrepreneurship development and bazaar management. In addition, it will also formulate 150 farmers' groups and conduct five national and 20 regional workshops/seminars and two surveys.
On the other hand, BADC will provide training to farmers, entrepreneurs and 3000 gardeners as well as distribute one million plant materials and seed/saplings.