About Tk 170 crore in incentives is being given to increase boro cultivation and production. Under the scheme, 27 lakh farmers across the country are receiving free seed and fertiliser.

The Ministry of Agriculture gave the information in a press release on Tuesday, 20 December.

The incentive is being given in three categories. Under about Tk 82 crore to raise hybrid rice production, each of 15 lakh farmers gets 2 kg of paddy seed free. Under about Tk 73 crore to raise production of high-yielding varieties, 12 lakh farmers benefit; each receives free the 5 kg of seed, 10 kg of DAP and 10 kg of MOP needed to cultivate one bigha.

A further Tk 15 crore is going to the "samalay" (synchronised) method, in which paddy in a field is planted and harvested at the same time to make it easier to use farm machinery. Under it, 110 blocks or demonstrations will be set up in 61 districts. Each demonstration will cover 50 acres and cost Tk 13 lakh 70 thousand.

The incentive comes from the agricultural rehabilitation assistance head of the ministry's regular budget. Distribution is under way in the field, and on average about 50 per cent has already been distributed.

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