Agriculture officials advise farmers on pest control in Gaibandha boro fields

Agriculture officials in Gaibandha’s Sadullapur upazila are working in the field to assist farmers in controlling pests in Boro paddy fields to ensure a better yield this season.

According to the local agriculture office, more than 15,500 hectares of land have been brought under Boro cultivation in the upazila this year. As part of preventive measures against pests, including the current pest, agricultural officials have intensified field-level activities and advisory services for farmers.

A courtyard meeting on pest management was held on Thursday at Manduarpara area under Naldanga union, where farmers were briefed on different methods of pest control. During the program, officials distributed leaflets and demonstrated the use of perching techniques to reduce pest attacks.

The meeting was addressed by Upazila Plant Protection Officer Abdur Rob Sarkar, along with several sub-assistant agriculture officers, who provided practical guidance on pest management.

Similar awareness programs and leaflet distribution campaigns have earlier been conducted in Idilpur union and other parts of the upazila, officials said.

Farmer Nazrul Islam of Manduarpara said he cultivated Boro paddy on one acre of land this season. “Agriculture officials are advising us on how to prevent pest infestation and diseases in the fields. Their guidance gives us hope for a good harvest,” he said.

Upazila Plant Protection Officer Abdur Rob Sarkar said that under the LLP implementation program, farmers are being encouraged to install perching sticks and adopt integrated pest management practices to ensure smooth harvesting of the Boro crop.

Sadullapur Upazila Agriculture Officer Apurba Bhattacharya said the department’s officials are actively working in the field to support farmers.

“Our activities will continue until farmers successfully harvest their Boro crops,” he added.

THZ/AM