Govt to adopt modern tech to boost crop production in Dinajpur region

The government is taking an initiative to boost high-value crop production in the Dinajpur region by 12 per cent using modern and eco-friendly technologies.

In this regard, the agriculture ministry has taken a project titled ‘Sustainable Agricultural Development in Dinajpur Region’ and sent a proposal to the planning commission for approval, a senior official of the planning ministry told The Business Post.

The project aims to create 1,440 agricultural entrepreneurs and guide them toward commercial agriculture. It also aims to increase crop density by 4 per cent through the extension of modern agricultural technology.

The cost of the project is estimated at Tk 65 crore which will come from the government exchequer.

The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) will implement the project to be completed by June 2027.

The project will be implemented in Birol, Birganj, Kaharol, Bochaganj, Chirirbandar, Khansama, Parvatipur, Phulbari, Birampur, Nawabganj, Hakimpur, Ghoraghat and Sadar upazila of Dinajpur district; Pirganj, Baliadangi, Ranishankail, Haripur and Sadar upazila of Thakurgaon district; and Tetulia, Atwari, Boda, Debiganj and Sadar upazila of Panchagarh district.

Md Foyzul Islam, Chief of Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Institutions Division of the Planning Commission said, “The project will play a vital role in the production of high-value crops, diversification of crop production, production of safe crops, processing of agricultural products, creation of women and young entrepreneurship, agro-commercialisation and expansion of modern technology in the Dinajpur region.”

He also said the project area has been selected based on the agricultural nature of the region, agricultural diversity, agricultural environment and potential.

According to the project proposal, there is a great opportunity to increase the crop density as well as to increase crop production by adopting suitable agricultural technology capable of avoiding climate risks including the application of new crops and cultivation of high-value crops.

The main components of the project also include holding technology exhibitions.