DAE distributes 2,585 saplings to 517 Paikgacha families

 
PAIKGACHA, KHULNA, July 20: The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has distributed 2,585 saplings of various fruit-bearing, timber and medicinal plants among 517 families in Paikgacha Upazila under the government's agricultural incentive programme, aiming to promote environmental conservation and improve rural livelihoods.

The day-long distribution programme was held on Saturday and covered beneficiaries from the upazila's municipality and all 10 unions.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Ekramul Hossain handed over the saplings to the beneficiaries and urged them to plant and care for the trees properly to ensure healthy growth and long-term benefits.

He said the programme seeks to encourage tree plantation while helping farmers become more economically self-reliant.

According to the agriculture office, expanding fruit, timber and medicinal plant cultivation will not only contribute to a greener environment but also create additional income opportunities for rural households through the sale of fruits and other tree products.

Officials also said cultivating medicinal plants could provide local communities with access to natural herbal remedies.

Among those present at the programme were Upazila DAE Officer SM Monirul Huda, sub-assistant agriculture officers and other officials of the agriculture department.

Beneficiary farmers welcomed the initiative and expressed gratitude to the agriculture department, saying the saplings would contribute to both their future income and environmental protection.

Officials expressed hope that the plantation programme would play an important role in improving the upazila's green cover while enhancing the livelihoods of farming families through sustainable agriculture and tree-based income generation.