Increasing rice output

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According to a recent FE report, a revolution in food grain production can occur in Bangladesh if only more areas are brought under cultivation of higher yielding seeds. The coverage should increase to 60 per cent of the farmland from the existing 20 per cent or so. In that case, it should be possible to produce an additional 30 million tons of rice.
The Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), the biggest supplier of the high yielding seeds, as well as the organisations in the private sector, produce more high yielding seeds for an efficient distribution to the farmers. The government's agriculture department should motivate the farmers to opt for the higher yielding seeds.
Besides, changes must be brought about in the management of irrigation water. Recently, it was found that irrigation water is wasted. Studies show that better results could be obtained by using less water. Research is on to develop seeds to withstand droughts, floods and salinity. Seeds developed to meet such physical situations will have to be popularised for extensive use in areas prone to these conditions.
As excessive use of urea fertilisers is harmful, the farmers need motivation to use less to get better results. They need training on the proper use of the inputs.
New and innovative techniques will have to be encouraged to promote higher productivity from limited land.
Abdur Rashid
DOHS, Dhaka