Md. Abdul Based Panchagarh : For the first time, bitter gourd cultivation has started in Debiganj, Panchagarh using Good Agricultural Practices. The aim of this cultivation based on modern and safe agricultural technology is to produce exportable vegetables not only for the local market but also by maintaining international standards. It is learned that under the “Program on Agricultural and Rural Transformation for Nutrition Entrepreneurship and Resilience in Bangladesh” project under the Upazila Agriculture Office, farmer Mostafizur Rahman is experimentally cultivating Nawab variety bitter gourd in the Majhpara area of Sundardighi Union of the upazila this year using Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) method on one acre of land. Under this method, this cultivation is being conducted by following every step of safe food, health-conscious production process and environment-friendly management.
Last Friday, when I went to the vegetable field, I saw that the bitter gourd field has been surrounded by a net to protect it from cattle and birds. Awareness messages have been drawn on the net. Yellow traps have been used inside the field to control insects. Workers are working in the field with masks on their faces, gloves on their hands and heads, following hygiene rules.
Farmer Mostafizur Rahman said that the Upazila Agriculture Office is providing him regular support and advice on farming using the “Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)” method. Farming in this method is different and better than before. Now we farm by testing the soil and water. We use biopesticides instead of chemicals. As a result, health safety is also ensured. The yield has also improved in this method. I hope that there will be economic benefits by exporting the crop. In this regard,
Debiganj Upazila Agriculture Officer and Agriculturist Md. Naeem Morshed said that the production of fruits and vegetables in the country is increasing every year. So now is the right time for export. It is very important to follow the “Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)” method for export. Although the task is somewhat challenging, our hardworking farmers can easily adopt modern technology. For the first time in Debiganj, farmer Mostafizur Rahman is cultivating bitter gourd on one acre of land under the “Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)” method under the Partner Project. As a result, the (GAP) method for safe food production is a modern and internationally recognized effective farming technique. Around this, new horizons can be opened in the export of safe food and agricultural products in the country.
