‘Samaloy’ mechanisation boosts paddy output in Meherpur

Farmers harvesting paddy in Meherpur

Meherpur, Feb 15 - With the rapid advancement of technology, modern, time-saving equipment has been introduced to meet the ever-growing demand for food, transforming traditional farming practices. 

Farmers across the globe are increasingly adopting modern technologies from planting to harvesting, moving away from ancient tools like ploughs and spades and Bangladesh is no exception. 

One such innovation is the Samaloy method, a new approach to farming that involves planting the same variety of paddy in a field using modern machinery. 

This method synchronises all farming processes that cut labour and time requirements. 

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Meherpur is spearheading efforts to modernise agriculture and make it more profitable by promoting the use of machinery. 

As part of this initiative, the DAE has introduced Samaloy method for paddy cultivation, aiming to reduce farmers' time and labou costs while increasing productivity. 

Recently, the DAE launched mechanised Boro paddy cultivation in Gangni upazila for the 2024-2025 season.

Over 200 farmers attended the demonstration at Garan Field in Gopalnagar village, Gangni upazila. 

This year, a total of 100 acres of land in Meherpur Sadar and Gangni upazilas will adopt the Samaloy method under the DAE's supervision. 

The traditional method of transplantation is being replaced by advanced machinery to ensure faster and more efficient farming , said farmers. 

Farmers will plant paddy saplings in plastic trays, where seeds are sown and later transplanted into fields using rice transplanting machines. 

This mechanised approach also includes machine-based fertilization, irrigation, and harvesting, addressing labour shortages, reducing production costs, and saving valuable time. 

"Through this method, everything—from seed planting to fertilizer application and even harvesting—will be done using machines," said Imran Hossain, Agricultural Officer in Gangni. 

He emphasised that this mechanization would help local farmers save time and money while improving yields 

The DAE is actively encouraging farmers in the region to adopt this method to enhance efficiency and productivity, he said.

To promote the widespread adoption of this method, the DAE has set a target to cultivate Boro paddy on 19,327 hectares of land in the district this year.

As part of this initiative, 60 farmers in Gopalnagar village, Gangni upazila, will plant paddy on 50 acres using transplanting machines. 

Besides, 65 farmers in Ashrafpur village, Meherpur Sadar upazila, will adopt the same method on another 50 acres.

Bijoy Krishna Haldar, the DAE Deputy Director of the district, said the initiative aims to reduce labour costs and increase the use of technology in farming. 

He expressed hope that the new technology would significantly lower production costs for farmers, making their operations more profitable. - UNB