Photo : Collected
Local farmers in Sirajganj are reaping the benefits from eco-friendly light traps, an innovative method gaining popularity for managing rice pests without the need for pesticides.
The use of these ‘light traps’ for pest control is on the upswing in nine upazilas of the district, which has a rich history of agricultural success, as farmers increasingly embrace this environmentally friendly approach to protect their rice seedlings from harmful insects while reducing their reliance on chemical pesticides.
Local farmers have endorsed the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this approach, underscoring its potential to bring about significant improvements in agricultural practices within the region.
The construction of these light traps involves the use of electric light bulbs and solar panels. These traps are strategically positioned approximately 100 meters away from the paddy fields, elevated 2-3 feet above the ground on bamboo poles. An electric bulb is illuminated, and beneath it is placed a container filled with water mixed with detergent powder or kerosene. As night descends, the emitted light from the trap lures various insects from the paddy fields, ultimately leading them to their demise as they fall into the water below.
Farmers have reported excellent results with this cost-effective approach, especially during the dark hours of the night, when pests are most active.
As per the district agriculture extension office, the cultivation of Aman paddy covers an impressive expanse of 75,445 hectares of land across nine upazilas in the ongoing season. Assuming there are no unexpected natural calamities, the region is poised for a fruitful harvest. The nine upazilas actively engaged in Aman paddy cultivation include Sadar Upazila, Kajipur, Kamarkhand, Raiganj, Tarasha, Ullapara, Shahjadpur, Chauhali, and Belkuchi.
The farmers have opted for various local rice varieties, including Abdul Guti, Katari Bhog, BRRI-90, BRRI-49, BRRI-51, BRRI-58, BRRI-34, and BRRI-36.
The current season has seen a marked increase in the utilization of light traps, with a total of 1,050 of these devices being employed across the nine upazilas. Deputy assistant agriculture officers, in collaboration with local farmers, have been actively using light traps to control harmful insects in different blocks of the district every Sunday.
Farmers in the region are experiencing the advantages of this innovative approach to pest control. Abdul Momin, a farmer from Shyampur village in Shialkol union, has expressed optimism about this season's yield due to favorable weather and ample fertilizer availability. However, he also noted concerns about rat infestations damaging the paddy fields.
Zahidul Islam, a farmer from Deshigram in Tarash upazila, shared his successful experience with light traps, citing their effectiveness in suppressing harmful insects and reducing the need for pesticides. Other farmers in Purnimaganti village of Ullapara similarly reported positive outcomes, highlighting the reduction in pesticide usage as a significant benefit.
Agriculture officials are actively engaged in providing guidance on the effective use of light traps and advising farmers on pesticide application when necessary. Insect infestations have been minimal this season, with rain and targeted pesticide applications playing a significant role in managing potential issues. Farmers are also advised to distribute their rice fields, place insecticide and gas tablets at rat holes, to prevent rat attacks.
The deputy director of the district agriculture extension directorate, Bablu Kumar Sutradhar, has underlined the substantial benefits of light traps in the Aman paddy fields. Farmers are being trained to identify harmful spider mites through light traps and patching methods to protect their crops effectively. Additionally, the reduced cost of pesticides in crop production has been a compelling factor in the growing popularity of light trapping and patching techniques.
While the adoption of light traps is steadily increasing, it is essential to recognize that these methods are primarily applied when harmful insects are prevalent, ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach to pest control in Sirajganj's agricultural landscape. The success of this approach signifies a promising future for environmentally friendly pest control methods in the region.
Messenger/Sajib
