Integrated efforts to enhance oilseed production stressed

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RAJSHAHI, May 30, 2021 (BSS) – Speakers at a function here stressed integrated efforts of all concerned related to agriculture for boosting local oilseed production, saying it can be the best way of lessening the gradually mounting pressure on import of edible oil.

There are enormous potentials of boosting oilseed production both horizontally and vertically in the region, they said, adding, so, all the entities concerned should come forward and work together in this regard.

Agricultural extension officials, scientists and researchers came up with the observations while disseminating their expertise on the issue at a daylong regional workshop here today.

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) hosted the workshop at its regional office conference hall under the Oilseed Crops Production Enhancement Project.

Around 70 people comprising extension officials, scientists, researchers, farmers and other stakeholders from Rajshahi, Natore, Naogaon and Chapainawabganj districts joined the workshop discussing and devising ways and means on how to improve the oilseed production in the region.

DAE Additional Director Sirajul Islam addressed the workshop as the chief guest while Regional Seed Certification Agency Officer Habibul Haque and DAE Deputy Director Subrata Sarker spoke as special guests with DAE Regional Deputy Director Khayer Uddin Molla in the chair.
Jashim Uddin, Director of the project, gave an overview of the project along with its aims, objectives and implementation strategies during his multimedia presentation.

He said the present government is very much interested in boosting the production of oilseeds including mustard, sesame, linseed, soya bean and sunflower for reduction of edible oil import.

He told the meeting that BARI has released 16 high yielding mustard seed varieties. Farmers in the barind tract are seen cultivating BARI Sharisha-14, BARI Sharisha-17 and BARI Sharisha-18 varieties for the last couple of years.

But BARI Sharisha 14 has become popular for its bold grain, high yielding, yellow colour, high oil extraction percentage and less-water consuming characteristics.

Besides, mustard seed is a water-saving crop and its expansion in the Barind area is very important towards lessening the gradually mounting pressure on its underground water.

Apart from this, Agriculturist Jashim told the participants that prospects of sunflower farming are very bright in Rajshahi region including its vast Barind tract as its soil texture and climate condition are suitable for the cash crop farming.

Sunflower is one of the less-water consuming crops so the farmers are seen very much interested in its farming in the dried Barind area, he said.

In his remarks, Sirajul Islam said farmers’ level crop production can easily be enhanced to 15 to 20 percent on an average if they can avail the scopes of using quality oilseeds in their farming fields.