NATO RE, Oct 9: Agriculture Extension Department (AED) has taken up an elaborate programme to bring about eight lakh hectares of land under boro paddy cultivation in 16 northern districts during the current rabt crops production season, official sources said.

About 30.5 lakh metric tons of boro paddy is expected to be produced in this region once the cultivaUon target achieved.

The district-wise break-up of cultivation target and produc-Uon target is as follows: Of the total. 2.83.550 metric tons (mts) of boro paddy is expected on 50 thousand hectares of land in Natore district while 1.23,750 mts of paddy is expected on 29,300 hectares of land in Rajshahi. 3.52.350 mts paddy Is expected on 81 thousand hectares of land in Naogaon. 70 thousand mts of paddy is expected on 16.600 hectares of land in Chapainawabganj. 7.46.100 mts is expected on 1.74.400 hectares of land in Bogra. 1.78.200 mts on 42 thousand, hectares of land is expected in Pabna. 4,02.600 mts on 95 thousand hectares of land is expected in SirajganJ. 1.71.600 mts of paddy on

60,400 hectares of land Is ex--pected In Rangpur. 1.91.400 mts of paddy on 44 thousand hectares of land in Joypurhat.

1.8000 mts of paddy on 84.200 hectares of land in Gaibandha.

1.09.500 mts of paddy on 40.600 hectares of land In Kurigram, 37,500 mts of paddy on 13,300 hectares of land In Lalmonlrhat. 46,050 mts of paddy on 16.300 hectares of land in Nllphamari. 1.36.245 mts of paddy on 47.900 hectares of land in Dlnajpur.

14.475 mts of paddy on 5.150 hectares of land in Pancbagarh and 46.050 metric tons of paddy on 16.300 hectares of land is expected in Thakurgaon district.

Boro paddy is one of the cash-crops to farmers of this region. Bangladesh Agricultural Extension Department will ensure necessary facilities to boost production.

The BAED has brought about 29 lakh hectares of land under boro paddy culUvation in the country during the current 1993-94 fiscal year and fixed the boro production target at about 78 lakh 60 thousand.