RAJSHAHI, July 11, 2020 (BSS)- Scientists and researchers at a training programme laid emphasis on using modern farming techniques and practicing postharvest management for maximising the immense potentiality of mango production in the region.
“Growers should be learnt on using modern techniques and post-harvest management so that they could be benefited more,” said Komolaranjan Das, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, while addressing the opening session of a daylong farmers training in the city as the chief guest.
Fruit Research Station (FRS) of Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) organized the training titled “Modern Techniques and Postharvest Management in Mango Production” at its conference hall on Friday through maintaining social distancing and other safety precautions.
Chaired by FRS Principal Scientific Officer Dr Alim Uddin, the session was addressed, among others, by Director (Research) of Bangladesh Sugar Crops Research Institute Dr Samajit Kumar Paul and BARI Principal Scientific Officer Dr Mazharul Anwar.
Komolaranjan Das said large-scale promotion of biorational pest management in mango farming has become crucial for boosting the mango production side by side with reducing usages of toxic chemical pesticides and different insects and pests in the delicious fruit cultivation in the region. He mentioned that the field level fruit researchers and scientists should discharge their duties with highest sincerity and honesty for disseminating the information about modern methods and technologies to farmers.
Mr Das urged the attending farmers to follow the guideline of the field level agricultural officials and scientists during mango farming.
He said using chemical pesticides on farm lands is always harmful to soil and public health, crops and environment, adding that “So, it is urgent for promoting biorational pest management widely.”
He said BARI has developed a number of bio-rational-based integrated pest management technologies and has been reaching those to farmers level through various training and motivational programmes.
Around 50 mango farmers in the district joined the training.
In addition to the training, the FRS hosted a field day on BARIMango-4 at its demonstration mango orchard on the same day.
Around 100 farmers took part in the field day programme and they were imparted training on how to boost the production of the high yielding variety.