Farmer’s golden dream dimmed due to Current attack of Aman rice in Meherpur
Earlier, this is the first time in Meherpur district, although current insect attack has occurred in different parts of the country.
Fazlul Haque
Some are fixing the date of paddy harvesting, some are busy with last minute care. At such a time swarms of brown grasshoppers are sucking the sap of rice plants. As a result, the affected paddy field suffers severe yield loss. Locally this insect is known as current insect. Earlier, this is the first time in Meherpur district, although current insect attack has occurred in different parts of the country.
According to the information of Meherpur Agriculture Office, the target of Aman rice cultivation in the district this year was 26830 metric tons, 26840 metric tons were planted and the production target was 85856 metric tons as 3.2 metric tons per hectare. Aman paddy harvesting has already started. In the meantime, the currant bug has given the farmers here a new worry. Last year, farmers suffered crop damage due to high heat during the Boro season. Many farmer attention to Aman cultivation to compensate for that loss. However, due to low rainfall this time, the farmers have faced a big challenge due to the high cost of Aman paddy cultivation. Adding to that challenge is the tiny current insect. Sitting at the base of the paddy tree, sucking the sap of the tree. The grain of rice is turning into a cheetah. Numerous insects in groups are killing the entire field in one night. Before remedial measures are taken, all the rice in the affected fields is destroyed. In some cases, the damage of rice cannot be prevented even by spraying.
Farmers say that they have given up hope of rice from the affected fields, rice is being cut only for cattle feed. The frustration of the farmers is increasing due to repeated losses in the paddy field. Therefore, the farmers demanded the agricultural officials to take more effective measures to ensure uninterrupted food production.
Shankar Kumar Majumder, Deputy Director, Directorate of Agricultural Extension, Meherpur said that the weather favorable for insects this year in the region is responsible for the current insect attack. However, this agricultural officer thinks that the use of necessary pesticides and technology in rice fields will prevent current insects.