DAE
Bangladesh to introduce drone technology to assess crop losses
Bangladesh is preparing to introduce remote sensing and drones to detect crop damage caused by extreme weather events or diseases, said the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Around 20 officers of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) are initially receiving training to learn how to use the state-of-the-art technologies.
Malay Choudhury, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, and Edimon Ginting, ADB Country Director for Bangladesh inaugurated a workshop titled “The Use of Drone and Satellite Image for Crop Monitoring and Crop Damage Assessment” in Dhaka on Tuesday to initiate a seven-day training programme.
ADB forecasts Bangladesh's GDP growth at 6.1% in FY 2023-24, anticipates rise to 6.6% next year
DAE and ADB jointly designed the training programme that will continue till April 25 April, according to ADB.
Renowned geospatial experts from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) will conduct the training.
The trainees will receive four days of classroom training on geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing analysis for crop damage detection and participate in a three-day field trip to Sylhet to learn how to collect ground data using mobile devices.
Local DAE officials are expected to participate in the training in Sylhet, where the 2022 floods caused major crop damage.
ADB to increase cooperation in Bangladesh climate actions: Environment Minister
Proper assessment of crop diseases and losses are critical to take appropriate measures to ensure agricultural productivity and food security in the context of growing threats of climate change in Bangladesh, said Country Director Edimon Ginting.
“ADB will continue to bring in innovative solutions including advanced technologies to help Bangladesh tackle climate impacts,” Ginting added.
With advanced geospatial technology, our officers will be able to assess crop damage and provide effective government programs to mitigate the expected damage caused by climate change in the future, said Badal Chandra Biswas, Director General, DAE.
PM Hasina seeks more support from ADB for socioeconomic uplift
Following the training program, ADB and DAE plan to produce joint reports on crop damage assessment in the Sylhet region, conduct a project evaluation study of an ADB-supported integrated water management project in Gopalganj areas, and implement a nationwide climate disaster assessment in a small local government unit.
Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific financed by the Government of Japan provided the grant fund for the training program through the Asian Development Bank.
Off year for mangoes in Chapainawabganj? Farmers fear potential loss
Mango farmers in Chapainawabganj district are bracing for potential losses this season, with significantly fewer buds observed on trees, particularly affecting larger trees amid challenging weather conditions.
This year's reduced bud bloom could mark the season as a mango-off year, a phenomenon where production alternates annually between high and low yields due to natural growth cycles and external factors.
Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) sources indicate that cold weather is to blame for the decreased number of mango buds in the district. However, there is optimism that warmer temperatures could encourage more buds to bloom.
Off-season Gourmoti mangoes could be profitable for Thakurgaon
The region, known for its extensive mango orchards spanning 37,604 hectares, produced 443,625 metric tonnes of mangoes last year. Mango bud formation typically occurs from early Magh to mid-Falgun, but this year's expected bloom has been hampered by the prevailing cold.
Mango farmer Abdur Rakib from Chapainawabganj municipality notes that diligent tree care can yield better bud production, even in an off year. Yet, the cost of cultivation might outweigh profits due to the reduced number of buds. Rakib also highlights the risk of natural calamities, which could further impact growers already facing low bud counts.
Chapainawabganj farmers set to surpass Boro rice production targets
Farmers in the Chapainawabganj district are poised to surpass their production targets for boro rice this year, aiming to harvest 253,780 metric tonnes, thanks to a surge in interest spurred by last season's bumper yield.
The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) has outlined an ambitious plan to cultivate boro rice across 52,200 hectares of land. The cultivation efforts are distributed across various upazilas, with 13,220 hectares in Sadar, 15,720 in Gomastapur, 6,250 in Bholahat, 9,680 in Nachole, and 7,330 hectares in Shibganj.
Farmers like Kawsar Ali from Sadar upazila are busy preparing their fields and sowing boro seeds. Ali, who has dedicated eight bighas of land to boro cultivation, noted the rising costs of production, attributing them to increased labor and irrigation expenses. Similarly, Mayez Uddin pointed out the hike in land plowing costs from Tk 300 to Tk 350, alongside rising labor charges.
Govt to provide Tk 108 crore as incentive to boost Boro production: Ministry
Paddy workers, enduring the winter chill to plant boro, like Madan, highlighted that the current rate of Tk 500 for planting helps cover their household expenses despite the hard work.
Dr. Palash Sarkar, Deputy Director of DAE, remains optimistic about this year's prospects. He mentioned the widespread adoption of the Ufsi boro variety, ensuring there's no shortage of seeds or fertilizers. Furthermore, irrigation has been smooth due to reliable power supply, and farmers have received all necessary guidance from agricultural officials.
With these favorable conditions, Dr. Sarkar anticipates that the boro rice production target will not only be met but exceeded, signaling a successful and productive season ahead for the farmers of Chapainawabganj.
Half of Boro paddy procurement target not achieved yet, Food Minister tells JS
Chapainawabganj farmers reap benefits of bountiful summer onion harvest
In Chapainawabganj district, the abundant harvest of summer onions and favorable market prices have delighted local farmers. The successful cultivation of the N-53 variety has made this season particularly profitable.
The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) played a pivotal role in this success. They provided farmers with essential resources, including 1 kg of N-53 onion seeds, 20 kg of fertilizers (MoP and DAP), pesticides, and Tk 2,800 in cash for labor costs per bigha of land.
Habiganj admin sets limits on onions purchase by retailers and consumers
This comprehensive support was part of a government initiative benefiting 4,500 farmers. Additionally, the DAE offered crucial training, which contributed to the bumper yield.
During a visit to Ghorapakhia in the Sadar upazila, the scene was one of industriousness, with farmers diligently harvesting their crops. Sayem Ali, a local farmer, shared his experience: "I've grown onions before, but the N-53 variety has brought an unprecedented yield. I'm expecting to harvest 108 maunds per bigha and, with favorable weather, even 120 maunds." He further noted the profitable market prices, with one maund selling for Tk 2,200. Despite investing Tk 30,000 of his own funds, the returns have been encouraging. Sayem intends to continue with N-53 cultivation, irrespective of government incentives.
Govt directs to intensify field-level monitoring on onion prices
Decision on onion import in 2-3 days: Agriculture Minister
Agriculture Minister Md Abdur Razzaque has said a decision on onion import will be taken within two to three days after monitoring the market situation.
"I know that all middle- and limited-income people are suffering. The price of onion should not be Tk 80 per kg. At the policy level, we are putting emphasis on the interests of our local farmers,” the minister said while talking to reporters at his Secretariat office today (May 21, 2023).
"We have discussed it at the highest level of policymaking. We are monitoring the market very closely. Insha'Allah, you will get a decision on whether we will import onions in 2-3 days," he said.
Read more: Govt may allow onion import soon: Agriculture Secretary
Last week, the Agriculture Secretary Wahida Akhter said the government is considering importing onions due to the hike in onion prices in the market.
Due to government intervention, onion production in the country has increased by more than one million tonne in the last two years, according to the DAE (Department of Agricultural Extension).
This year alone, more than 34 lakh tonnes of onion have been produced in the country. Meanwhile, the demand for onion in the country is 26 to 28 lakh tonnes per year.
Read more: Govt to import 12,500 MT of sugar from US
However, due to lack of proper storage system or adverse environment, 30-35% of locally produced.
Cyclone Mocha looms over Bay: DAE asks farmers to harvest paddy, other crops early
The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) of Bangladesh has asked the farmers to harvest 80% ripe paddy, mango and other crops to avoid damages by potential cyclonic storm Mocha.
It also asked the officials concerned to take necessary steps for mass campaign so that farmers can take precautionary measures, said a press release of the DAE issued on Tuesday (May 09, 2023).
Also read: Depression over southeast Bay intensifies into deep depression
DAE also asked the agriculture officers to provide necessary advices to the farmers saying at their respective work place round the clock and follow the Bangladesh Agro-Metrological Information Service (BAMIS) portal to get any update about weather condition.
According to the latest Met office prediction, the depression over the Bay of Bengal may intensify into a cyclonic storm by May 12 or May 13 and in that case there is a possibility of huge damage of crops, it said.
Read More: Low pressure area intensifies into well-marked low over Bay: Met office.
Chapainawanganj mango growers worried over rising orchard maintenance cost
As summer approaches, mango trees have already bloomed and worn eye-catching looks with huge flowers, spreading a sweet scent in every corner of Chapainawabganj, known as the country’s mango capital.
Farmers are taking care of the orchards in the hope of a good yield as the weather has been favorable so far this year.
But due to the hike in the prices of various materials used for nurturing orchards, including pesticides, the farmers are struggling to take care of the mango trees.
Visiting different areas of the district, the UNB correspondent found mango trees covered in blossoms. And such a scene is now adorning not only the rural areas but also the city, making farmers hopeful of a bumper yield this year.
Read: Vegetable cultivation on Teesta shoals a boon for Lalmonirhat farmers
Mango farmers said that the weather has been favorable since the beginning of the season. As a result, orchards have been covered with mango blossoms.
Abdur Rakib, a mango grower, said, "I have an orchard of Amrapali in Chapainawabganj Sadar Upazila which consists of 1,000 trees. Although the weather has been favourable so far this year, the maintenance cost of the orchard has increased many folds due."
Rain damages 412 hectares of croplands in Kurigram: DAE
Due to untimely pre-monsoon showers crops in some 412 hectares of land were damaged in Kurigram according to the Department of Agricultural Extension.
Due to incessant rain in the last two months 265 hectares of Boro paddy, 95 hectares of Jute, 20 hectares of peanut, 12 hectares of vegetables,10 hectares of sesame,, five hectares of quinoa, and five hectares of radhuni horse (spice) were ruined.
“ As the sun did not come out, 30 maund of paddy I harvested started to rot. The wholesalers are not ready to buy these paddies even at tk 600 per maund,” said Suman, a well-off farmer from Shialkanda village in Nageshwari upazila.
Also read: Croplands inundated in Faridpur as major rivers swell
Agriculturist Abdur Rashid, Deputy Director of DAE said, “We have got the primary estimation of the damages which shows 60 per cent of the crops got damaged. But we can estimate the amount of loss later.”
He said so far 84 percent of Boro crops in the district have been collected. “The farmers are struggling a bit due to lack of sun otherwise the production met the expectations.”
Md Abdur Sabur, assistant director of Rajarhat weather observatory center said “Due to climate change and easterly wind pressure this year 990 mm of rainfall has been recorded already in April and May this year in the district.”
Also read: Sunamganj farmers fear crops loss as floodwater enters haors
He said, “The rain showers will persist till June . Already 512 mm of rainfall has been recorded until Monday in this month. Due to excessive rains croplands of low-lying areas in the district are being inundated.”
Another embankment collapses in Sunamganj haor area; DAE says 95% Boro harvested
Water started overflowing Chhayar Haor in Shalla upazila of Sunamganj district as an embankment collapsed early Sunday, making it more difficult for farmers in Haor areas to harvest paddy.
Local people blamed negligence on the part of the authorities concerned of local Water Development Board for the collapse of the levee.
According to the local office of Department of Agriculture Extension, this year, 4,637 hectares of land in Chhayar Haor was brought under boro cultivation and already 95% paddy of the haor area have been harvested.
Also read: Sunamganj farmers fear crops loss as floodwater enters haors
But the local farmers claimed that they failed to harvest 15% crops of the haor.
Takbir Hossain, a farmer of Sultanpur village in the upazila, said that he failed to harvest 30% crops of his land due to lack of paddy workers.
Shalla Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Abu Taleb, said a portion of Chhayar Haor dam collapsed early hours of Sunday during nor’wester, flooding many areas.
However, the main closure of the embankment remained unhurt.
Also read: 41% paddy harvested in haor region until April 20: Ministry
Sunamganj haor region was hit by the first phase of flash floods due to onrush of hill water and upstream water running down hills following torrential rain in Meghalaya and Cherrapunji of India recently.
A vast tract of boro cropland was inundated, forcing farmers to harvest their crops early to minimise losses.
'Syndicates take advantage of data scarcity to raise prices': SANEM
The Executive Director of the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM) Dr Selim Raihan on Saturday urged the government agencies to monitor the essentials market throughout the year, coordinating among the concerned departments and resolving data scarcity to control the market.