ZCZC
BSS-06
BARIND-AREA-DEVELOPMENT (with picture)
BMDA implements socio-economic improvement project in Rajshahi
RAJSHAHI, Nov 28, 2018 (BSS) – Apart from various need-oriented uplift
programmes, the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) has
implemented a project for improving the socio-economic condition of the
people living in the Barind tract.
BMDA sources said the “Barind Integrated Area Development Project (phase-3)”
was implemented in all the 25 upazilas under Rajshahi, Naogaon and
Chapainawabganj districts recently.
The Taka 284.28 crore project had been designed to bring additional 45,000
hectares under controlled and appropriate irrigation management system
through installation of fresh deep tube wells (DTWs).
By enhancing electrical networks for the new DTWs, the project ensures
supplementary irrigation to another 60,000 hectares on its successful
implementation.
It also creates employment facility for the small and marginal farmers, day
laborers and women in the project area.
Executive Director of BMDA Engineer Abdur Rashid said the Barind tract is
the driest part of the country and characterized by high and wavy
topographical features, low river network, high summer temperature and other
unfavorable climatic conditions for agriculture.
Terming the groundwater as the main source of irrigation, he said no crops
would be produced without irrigation in the dried area.
Only in the Barind area, around 2.3 lakh hectares remain beyond irrigation
facility and if this huge land is brought under irrigation nearly 16 lakh
metric tons of additional food grain would be produced, he added.
Besides, he said under the project, underground irrigation channel has been
constructed for resisting wastage of water.
Abdur Rashid said the project helps to increase food production side by side
creating self employment opportunities and accelerating economic growth in
the area.
“We are taking full-length preparations for providing irrigation to the
coming irri-boro farming fields everywhere in the country’s northwest
region,” he said.
In addition to augmentation of surface water resources and its uses he said
that the authority has been enhancing irrigation facilities by using
underground water through installation of deep tube wells.
“We are ensuring electrification to irrigation installations and agro-based
industries in the area alongside improving road communication by construction
and re-construction of feeder roads,” Engineer Rashid said.
BMDA has almost revived 2,569 non-functional deep tube wells owned by the
Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) in 13 districts of the
region at a cost of Taka 198 crore in phases.
Additional 7.40 lakh metric tonnes of food grain is being produced through
providing irrigation to additional 86,000 hectares of farming fields upon re-
launching the DTWs.
BSS/AH/SA/ 1116 HRS