Sajjadul Islam, Ulipur (Kurigram)
Milibug infestation in Aman paddy fields across Ulipur in Kurigram has raised fears of yield losses. Farmers say pesticides have failed to control the pest, leaving some plants yellowing and drying up.
A field visit found white, cotton-like or waxy deposits on the stems and leaf sheaths of affected plants, with small milibugs underneath. The leaves turn yellow before drying up, while severe infestations hamper plant growth.
Farmers said such infestations were rarely seen in previous years but have spread to several areas this season. Repeated pesticide applications have increased production costs without satisfactory results, they added.
According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, Aman cultivation has been targeted on 24,660 hectares this year, including 1,570 hectares of hybrid, 21,875 hectares of high-yielding and 1,215 hectares of local varieties.
Hafizur Rahman, a farmer from Narikel Bari village under Ulipur Municipality, said milibugs had appeared in his fields and those of other farmers. He has yet to apply pesticides, saying the extent of the damage needs to be assessed.
In the same village, nearly half of Sirajul Islam’s 40-decimal plot has been affected.
“I sprayed different pesticides bought from the market, but nothing worked. If this continues, the yield will fall. I am very worried,” he said.
Similar infestations have affected 20 decimals of land belonging to Lal Mia in Kashiyagari village under Dhamshreni Union and 25 decimals owned by Majid Mia in Satkurar Par village under Dharanibari Union.
Akbar Ali, a farmer from Khaonar Dargah area of Dharanibari Union, said around 40 decimals of his one-acre-and-75-decimal plot had been affected.
“I have applied a lot of pesticides, but they have hardly worked. At this rate, I may suffer a total loss this season,” he said.
Around 25 decimals of Abdur Rahman’s land in Gabertal area under Gunaigach Union have also been affected. He said the plants looked scorched despite repeated pesticide applications.
Kaiyum Sarkar, a local pesticide trader with around 20 years of experience, said he had rarely seen such infestations before. Although a few plants were affected last year, the pest has spread to several areas this season.
Assistant Agriculture Officer Masud Rana said milibug feeds on sap from paddy plants, disrupting their growth and turning leaves yellow. Severe attacks can cause plants to dry up, he added.
Ulipur Upazila Agriculture Officer and agriculturist Shahidul Islam said drought and water shortages could contribute to the infestation. Farmers have been advised to uproot and destroy affected plants, irrigate fields and apply approved pesticides at the recommended doses.
Abu Fattah Md Rowshan Kabir, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Kurigram, said agricultural officials were advising farmers and distributing leaflets to raise awareness. Timely application of approved pesticides in accordance with official recommendations could help control the pest, he added. #EK