JOYPURHAT, Jan 29, 2014 (BSS)-Farmers and others concerned, including agriculturists are very much optimistic about the overall wheat production during the current season in the district.Azhar Ali Mondol, Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture Extension, told BSS that timely plantation of seeds accompanied by the current cold spell is being considered as a positive sign for attaining bumper production of the cash crop.He said farmers of the district were found more confidants in wheat farming on more new land due to the water-stress condition as wheat is a less-water consuming plant. Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) recently released six varieties including prodip, bijoy, shatabdi and BARIGAM-26 are more tolerant to leaf blight and leaf rush-disease with additional advantage of higher yield, the DD added.Farmers have cultivated wheat on around 2,213 hectares of land against the target of 1,724 hectares fixed by the Department of Agriculture Extension in five upazilas of the district showing enhancement of extended target.DAE sources said there is no alternative to promoting modern technology and using high yielding wheat seeds to reduce dependency on food import to meet the internal demand.Boosted up wheat production is very important for ensuring food security as it is the second most important cereal in the country after rice and plays a vital role in the national food security, Sources said.
