In Meherpur, Boro seedbeds have been damaged due to severe cold and thick fog. Many seedlings rot and die due to cold. As a result, the farmers apprehend shortage of seedlings to grow Boro rice. However, the agriculture department says cold injury will not affect paddy planting or production.
In Meherpur district, 19 thousand 250 hectares of land have been targeted for Boro cultivation in the current season. Boro seed beds have been prepared on 1 thousand 50 hectares of land.
But the seedbeds have been damaged due to severe cold and dense fog. Many seedlings rot and die due to cold. As a result, the farmers are fearing the shortage of seedlings to grow Boro rice. But those who make ideal seed beds and cover them with polythene do not lose their seed beds.
Marginal farmers said that Boro seeds have been made by leasing the land for 1000 taka. Now this seedling is dying due to cold. If the seedling dies, then paddy cannot be planted in desired land.
According to the Agriculture Department, various suggestions are being given to the farmers to save Boro seeds from cold injury. This problem is happening in the seed beds due to lack of sunlight. However, cold injury will not affect rice planting or production.