In the 1980s, "agricultural extension and advice centres" were built in 32 unions of Joypurhat to bring modern farm services to the doorsteps of marginal farmers. After decades of neglect and no repairs, each of these centres has now turned into a "haunted house". The dilapidated buildings are overgrown with weeds, wasting public property while the district's farmers go without the advice they need.
A visit found the union-level centres choked with weeds and creepers. Doors and windows are broken and plaster is falling off; each looks like a haunted house. At first, farmers received advice from these centres on seed, fertiliser, storage of farm produce and other production matters, and agriculture officers worked there regularly. Over time, and through the indifference of the authorities, all activity has stopped.
Farmers want repairs
Aynal Haque, a farmer in Kalai upazila, said the abandoned buildings have become a safe haven for criminals. Drug users gather there after dark, and local people dump rubbish in front of the buildings, polluting the area.
Abu Rayhan, a farmer in Sadar upazila, said the offices are now rubbish dumps. "We want them repaired quickly. If agriculture officers sat here as before, we would benefit." Another farmer said regretfully that he used to farm with advice from the centre but no longer has that chance. "If the office were reopened, it could be a good hub for us."
Khalek Hossain, a farmer in Akkelpur upazila, called for the dilapidated buildings to be repaired quickly to protect public property and bring back a farmer-friendly environment.
AKM Sadikul Islam, deputy director of the district Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), said the repairs are held up for lack of allocation. "If we get the necessary funds or allocation, we will repair the buildings. Once they are repaired, sub-assistant agriculture officers (SAAOs) will be able to stay there. That will make it easier to store seed and fertiliser, and farmers will benefit overall."
Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.
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