NATORE. Feb 1: A comprehensive programme has been taken up for 'Boro' cultivation in the northern districts this year, to compensate the loss of 'Ainan' paddy.

Agriculture Extension Department, in the mean time, have taken up necessary steps to ensure a good 'Boro' cultiva-

About 8.50 lakh hectares of land in the 16 northern districts have been targeted to bring under 'Boro' cultivation. The production target has been fixed at about 24 lakh metric tons of paddy.

The total land, targeted for 'Boro' cultivation this year is 16 thousand hectares more

than that in the last year, while the production target this time is one lakh metric ton higher comparing to the previous year.

In Natore district, about 51 thousand hectares of land would be brought under 'Boro' cultivation, while 'Boro' production is expected to cross 1.27 metric tons.

'Aman' paddy production in this region this year was thwarted by the prolonged flood and the attack of 'Ieda' pest. With a view to making up the loss of 'Aman' paddy. AED has taken up an eleborate programme to make the ‘Boro’ cultivation this year a success.

Fertiliser dealers and diesel sellers are warned not to make

any artificial crisis.

Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation has- made necessary stock of urea fer-

While visiting some villages in Natore sadar thana, this correspondent found many farmers sowing seedlings on their lands while many of them preparing their land for 'Boro' cultivations.

Growers said they would make their best for 'Boro' cultivation when cold weather and fog disappears.

Agri-experts in Natore expect, the cultivation of Boro' paddy would exceed the target if favourable weather persists.