Dense fog and a cold spell during the first week of Magh (Bengali month) have put boro seedbeds at risk in several areas of Jibannagar Upazila in Chuadanga, raising concern among farmers.
Cold injury has already affected many seedbeds, with seedlings turning yellow and, in some cases, dying, putting seedling availability for the season under threat.
A visit to different parts of the upazila on Saturday showed farmers taking emergency measures to protect seedlings, including spraying against fog-related diseases and irrigating seedbeds in the afternoon before draining water in the morning to keep seedlings fresh.
Farmer Ziarul Islam of Gangadashpur village said several days of cold weather have caused seedlings to turn yellow and, in many cases, die.
Another farmer from the same village, Gani Mia, said cold injury causes seedlings to turn reddish and dry from the top, creating serious uncertainty over seedling production.
The Department of Agricultural Extension said 380 hectares of land have been prepared for boro seedbeds in Jibannagar Upazila during the current season.
The upazila has set a target of cultivating boro rice on 7,100 hectares this season, the department said.
Upazila Agricultural Extension Officer Md Alamgir Hossain said the recent moderate cold spell is unlikely to cause major damage to seedbeds if proper care is taken.
He advised farmers to retain water in seedbeds every evening and release it in the morning, adding that the agriculture department is providing round-the-clock guidance to farmers.
