Scientists of the Entomology Division of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) are testing the efficacy of organic pesticides to ensure safe vegetable production. United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB) has provided support to the scientists under its Agro-CSR project to do this job properly.
They conducted this experimental research in the farmlands of the farmers from Bogura and Rangpur, according to a press release.
Dr Nirmal Chandra, Mustafizur Rahman, Harun or Rashid and other scientists are in the research team. Under this initiative, BARI conducted training sessions, held exhibitions and celebrated Field Day, reports BSS.
At an event organised on the occasion of Field Day at Rangpur's Mithapukur, apart from the scientists of BARI's Entomology Division, ATM Tahmiduzzaman, additional managing director of UCB; Rezaul Karim Siddique, presenter of BTV's agriculture-based show “Mati O Manush”; and an agricultural analyst, were present along with agri-entrepreneurs.
It is mentionable that the importance of ensuring safe or organic food, along with food security is now being underscored equally by the experts.
The uncontrolled use of pesticides and chemicals is jeopardising the availability of safe and healthy production. The issue is concerning for both the consumers and the policymakers.
The demand for ensuring safe food is now getting louder. Against such a backdrop, UCB has been implementing the “Bhoroshar Notun Janala" project to support the agriculture sector in ensuring the production and marketing of safe and healthy vegetables.
Under this project, different kinds of technical support have been extended to the entrepreneurs, including suggestions to the farmers about farming methods for the safe production of common and high-value vegetables, increasing use of organic fertilisers, use of non-harmful pesticides (Trichogramma wasps, biopesticides, pheromone traps etc), vegetable harvesting, grading and marketing.
