Maize production setback

Maize farmers at Baishpukur village in Teesta char area of Dimla upazila are bewildered as the crop on around 500 acres of fields has become sterile allegedly due to poor quality of imported seeds.

Visiting the area on Saturday, it was found that green and tall maize plants in vast fields looks healthy but there is no grain on the cobs.

Farmers said those who sowed imported Kaberi–50 variety of Indian seeds are the worst victim of the situation.

Kaberi Seeds Ltd imported and marketed the variety.

“I planted Kaberi-50 variety of maize seeds on my 20 bighas of land and took adequate care and provide timely irrigation. But there is no grain on most of the cobs due to substandard seeds,” said Bhutto, 45, a farmer of Baishpukur village.

Another farmer Senor Ali, 50, said he sowed Kaberi-50 variety of maize seeds on nine bighas this season but the crop, like that in other fields in the area, shows sterility.

Marginal farmer Abul Kasem, 50, said, “I cultivated Kaberi-50 variety maize in two bighas of land taking loan from local NGOs and money lenders on high interest with condition to repay all money after harvesting the crop. Now I'm anxious as there is no sign of yield."

“Most farmers in the village cultivated Kaberi–50 variety of seeds as it gave bumper yield last year but the situation is reverse this year,” said farmer Lalta Mamud, 60.

Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture Extension, GM Idris said he visited the area on Monday and talked to farmers and officials of the seed marketing firm.

“The firm has agreed to give compensation to affected farmers. If they fail to do so, we'll take stern legal action,” he said.

Contacted, Sultan Mahmud Mintu, district manager of Kaberi Seed Limited, claimed that they usually import best quality seeds and farmers in Jaldhaka and Domar upazilas are using it without any complaint.

“The affected area this season is not more than 7 to 8 bighas. It may happen due to lack of micro nutrient in sandy soil and want of irrigation in proper time.

“Our authorities have agreed to pay compensation to only those farmers who can place genuine proof in support of their claim like cash memo against purchasing the seed, issued by prescribed retailer," he said.

However, many farmers said they had purchased the seed from local retailers on credit with condition to repay after harvesting and they did not collect cash memo for the purpose.