About 56,000 hectares croplands of Aush paddy have been damaged so far due to the recent flood situation in the country, Agriculture minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque has said.
The ongoing flood has also affected Aush paddy of 22,000 hectares cropland in Sunamganj and Sylhet districts, he said.
The agriculture minister made the remarks while exchanging views with journalists after a meeting with Maldives High Commissioner Shiruzimath Sameer at the Bangladesh Secretariat in the capital on Tuesday.
Terming that overall preparations were being made to control crop damage, the minister said now the flood has spread too many districts including Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari and Moulvibazar.
Besides, crops like vegetables, sesame, nuts and others have been damaged, he stated.
If the flood does not last long, it is possible to make up for the damage done so far, the minister hoped.
Considering the fact, extensive preparations have already been taken, he pointed out.
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed to make maximum arrangements for the construction of Aman seedbed.
Seedlings that have already been sown will be replanted if damaged, he said, adding that sufficient seed have been stored and they will be distributed to the farmers in the coming days.
On the other hand, if the floods are prolonged, initiatives will be taken to cultivate Nabi variety (late variety) paddy, the minister added.
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