Gofran Palash, Kalapara (Patuakhali)

Some 6,000 beneficiary small and marginal farmers in Kalapara of Patuakhali received free seeds and chemical fertilizers.

 Kalapara UNO Md. Rabiul Islam inaugurated the seed-fertilizer distribution program for agricultural promotion among small and marginal farmers on Tuesday morning at the Upazila Parishad premises.

 Upazila Agriculture Officer Krishibid Md. Arafat Hossain, Press Club Member Secretary SM Mosharef Hossain Mintu, senior officials of the upazila administration and local media workers were present at the time.

According to the Agriculture Office sources, 5 kg of Ufshi Aman paddy seeds and 20 kg of chemical fertilizers were distributed among 6,000 small and marginal farmers under the agricultural promotion program in the kharif season in the 2024-25 financial year. To increase hybrid pepper production, 300 people were given 10 grams of pepper seeds per person. In addition, 80 people were given 5 types of seeds to increase the production of summer vegetables. At the same time, 300 marginal farmers were given 5 coconut seedlings, 140 lemon seedlings and 80 mango seedlings.

The source further said that 500 institutions were given coconut seedlings and 225 institutions were given palm seedlings according to their suitability. In addition, neem, bell, jam and jackfruit seedlings were distributed among 1400 students.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Krishibid Md. Arafat Hossain said, 'This year's promotion program of the Agriculture Department can be called a historic agricultural promotion program. Because agricultural promotion seeds, fertilizers, fruits and medicinal plant seedlings have not been distributed free of charge in this way.'

Arafat Hossain also said, 'As per the instructions of the current government to achieve self-reliance in agriculture and food, we, the officers and employees of the Agriculture Department, are not only sitting in the office but also performing our duties at the field level round the clock.'