Free fertilizer, seed distribution begin in Narail

The distribution of free seeds and fertilizers among small and marginal farmers has begun in the district under a government agricultural incentive programme aimed at boosting crop production.

The inaugural ceremony of the distribution programme was held on Sunday at 3:00 pm at the Sadar Upazila Parishad auditorium.

The event was organized by the Sadar Upazila Agriculture Office, where jute seeds were distributed among 1,000 farmers.

Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer T.M. Rahsin Kabir presided over the programme, while Muhammad Arifur Rahman, Deputy Director of the District Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), attended as the chief guest.

Among others, Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Roknuzzaman, Senior Fisheries Officer Abu Raihan, District Press Club General Secretary MM Mahbubur Rashid Lavlu, and Shahabad Union Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer BM Zahid Shakil also spoke at the event.

A total of 1,820 farmers will receive free agricultural inputs under the incentive programme to expand the cultivation and production of jute, sesame, and moong crops.

Out of the total beneficiaries, 1,000 farmers will receive incentives for jute cultivation.

Each farmer will be given 1 kilogram of jute seeds, 5 kilograms of DAP fertilizer, and 5 kilograms of MOP fertilizer for cultivation on one bigha of land.

For sesame cultivation, 560 farmers will receive 1 kilogram of seeds, 10 kilograms of DAP fertilizer, and 5 kilograms of MOP fertilizer for one bigha of land.

260 farmers will receive incentives for moong cultivation. Each farmer will be provided with 5 kilograms of moong seeds, 10 kilograms of DAP fertilizer, and 5 kilograms of MOP fertilizer free of cost for cultivating one bigha of land.

Officials said the initiative is expected to encourage farmers to expand the cultivation of these crops and increase agricultural productivity in the district.