1.85 lakh flood-affected farmers given free seed, fertiliser

The government has provided free seeds and fertilisers worth Tk 11 crore to 1.85 lakh flood-affected farmers in 17 districts, according to the agriculture ministry.

In the first phase, 94,000 farmers were provided Aman paddy seeds and fertilisers involving Tk 5.88 crore, it said in a press release.

Besides, 700 farmers of four worst-affected districts --Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar and Habiganj – were given late variety Aman seeds and fertilisers worth Tk 3.5 lakh in the second phase of the government's assistance.

The third phase of the rehabilitation assistance programme of Tk 5 crore is underway, the ministry said.

Under the third phase, 90,000 farmers will be provided seeds and fertilisers. Each farmer will get five kilogramme of high-yielding Aman seeds, 10kg of di-ammonium phosphate and 10kg of muriate of potash fertilisers, it said.

Apart from that, various varieties of vegetable seeds will also be given to the affected farmers, the press release added.