According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department's forecast, heavy to very heavy rain is likely in most parts of the country from 12 to 14 July. On 15 and 16 July the intensity may ease in many areas, but moderate to heavy rain could still fall in some regions.

In this situation, the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) has issued farming advice for the Aman seedbed and transplanting stage.

• In areas where heavy to very heavy rain is forecast, put off making new seedbeds and transplanting for now. Heavy rain and running water can wash away or destroy seedlings, so wait until the rain eases.
• Keep drainage channels in seedbeds and already transplanted fields clean and working so that excess rainwater can drain quickly.
• If excess water collects in newly transplanted fields, drain it promptly. But do not drain all of it at once; keep a shallow layer of water in the field to reduce the risk of seedlings lodging or floating away.
• If seedbeds are at risk of going under, make alternative seedbeds on high, safe ground, taking account of seedling age and condition. If necessary, raise the soil to prepare beds 15-20 cm above the normal field surface.
• Do not apply urea or other fertilisers, insecticides or fungicides before or during heavy rain. Fertiliser may be washed away and pesticides may lose their effect.

• In areas at risk of floods or waterlogging, choose short-duration Aman varieties suited to local conditions. Use good-quality, mature, well-filled seed.
• Use a salt-water test to remove poorly filled and floating seed and select healthy seed. Where needed, treat the seed with an approved fungicide, soak it in clean water for about 24 hours, incubate it for 24 to 48 hours and sow the sprouted seed.
• If flooding is forecast, a temporary polythene sheet or shelter can protect seedbeds from the direct force of heavy rain. But ensure drainage and ventilation, and remove the cover once the rain eases.
• If land stays under water for long, dapog, floating or tray-based seedbeds can be used. Make alternative seedbeds where flood water is unlikely to enter and where drainage is possible.

• Once the water has gone down, inspect seedbeds and transplanted fields carefully. Quickly fill gaps left by dead, weak or washed-away seedlings with healthy, strong seedlings.
• If cloudy, humid weather persists, check seedbeds and fields regularly for signs of disease. Do not apply pesticides unnecessarily without confirming the presence of disease or pests.
• When the rain eases, field conditions return to normal and no heavy rain is expected for the next 2-3 days, go ahead with new seedbeds, transplanting, gap filling and the necessary fertiliser management.
• Follow the latest district- and upazila-level weather and flood warnings when timing seedbed preparation, transplanting and other farm work.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.