Farmers in Gaibandha are fearful they might not be able to hit production targets for Aman harvest this year due to a pest attack.
According to the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), nearly 128,200 hectares of land in seven upazilas of the district were used for Aman cultivation this year and fixed a target of 326,900 tonnes after harvest.
Though DAE officials are still confident of meeting the target for Aman paddy, farmers have are worried because of an attack of stem borer pest locally called “majra poka”.
Farmers’ concerns have been raised because they have noticed various plant diseases have infected the paddy, particularly Leaf Sheath blight caused by the Rhizoctonia solani fungus that forms lesions and spots and Leaf roll or curl caused by a fungus or virus.
The worst affected area is Sundarganj upazila, where Aman seedlings planted on vast tracts of land have turned yellow from the blight of insects and disease.
Farmers have sprayed pesticide bought locally to save their crop but with little effect. They said the insecticide is often adulterated and that is the reason they have not been effective. Many said dishonest traders are engaged in a brisk business of selling adulterated insecticides and taking advantage of farmers.
A farmer from Sundarganj upazila’s Ghagoa, Emdadul Haque said he was worried about the crop because of the pests and disease.
He said if steps are not taken to control the blight then the damage to crops and cop land would be extensive. Agricultural officials said they were advising farmers how best to protect their crops and fields.
DAE Deputy Director Mir Abdur Razzak told the Dhaka Tribune that agricultural officer are advising farmers how to use insecticide brands such as Virtaco, Marshal and Contact for best results. He said action would be taken against anyone found to be involved in the sale of adulterated pesticides.
