RAJSHAHI, Dec 25, 2021 (BSS)- Scientists and researchers at a training

programme laid emphasis on using modern farming techniques and practicing
postharvest management for maximizing the immense potentiality of mango
production in the region.

   Utmost emphasis should be given on bringing the growers under need-based
training and knowledge sharing on using modern techniques and post-harvest
management so that they could be benefited more.

   The scientists and experts came up with the observation while addressing a
daylong farmers training titled "Modern Techniques and Postharvest Management
in Mango Production" in the city yesterday.

   Fruit Research Station (FRS) of Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute
(BARI) organised the training at its conference room discussing and devising
ways and means on how to disseminate and reach modern mango farming
techniques among the grassroots farmers.

   Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Komolaranjan Das
addressed the training as the chief guest while FRS Principal Scientific
Officer Dr Alim Uddin was in the chair.

   Senior Scientific Officer Dr Hassan Waliullah and Scientific Officer Zahid
Hossain also spoke disseminating their expertise on the issue.

   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 of 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 the farmers.

   Mr Das urged the attending farmers to follow the guidelines 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: "So, it is urgent for
promoting biorational pest management widely."

   Komolaranjan Das 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.

   There is no alternative to bring all the mango farmers under requisite
awareness for promotion of modern technologies to make the mango harvesting
and marketing process safe and hygienic.

   He said modern technologies need to be promoted commercially in mango
orchards in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts during the coming pre-
harvest season to protect mango from pest attack besides facilitating the
farmers to get quality and better yield.

   Mango is the leading seasonal cash crop of the country's northwest region
and dominates the economy in the two districts, famous for the delicious
fruit.

   Around 50 mango farmers in the district joined the training.