Photo : BSS

GAIBANDHA, Dec 31, 2025 (BSS) - The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has taken precautionary measures to protect Boro paddy seedlings from possible cold injury caused by the ongoing cold wave and dense fog in the district.

According to DAE office sources, a target has been set to bring 129,020 hectares of land under Boro cultivation during the current Rabi season. To achieve this target, farmers have already prepared seedbeds on about 7,000 hectares of land, where the seedlings are growing well.

However, the continuing cold wave and dense fog have raised concern among farmers, as the seedlings are gradually turning yellow from green. DAE officials said prolonged cold weather combined with fog could damage the seedlings if it persists for several days.

In response, DAE officers, including Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officers (SAAOs), are distributing leaflets among farmers with guidelines to protect seedlings from cold injury. The leaflets advise farmers keep the Boro seedbeds submerged under irrigation water during the evening and drain the water in the morning on a daily basis to reduce the impact of cold.

In addition, agricultural experts have suggested covering the seedbeds with polythene sheets during cold periods and removing the covers during daylight hours to allow sunlight, which helps prevent damage from cold and fog.

DAE Deputy Director Krishibid Atiqul Islam told BSS that seedlings could suffer cold injury if a severe cold wave continues for six or seven consecutive days. However, he noted that there is little risk of damage if the seedlings receive adequate sunlight during the day.

Responding to a query, the deputy director said he is regularly visiting fields and closely monitoring the activities of SAAOs. He also confirmed that no reports of seedling damage due to cold injury have been received in the district so far.