By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Sept 20, 2025 (BSS) - Modern farming and digital agricultural technologies are promoting cost-effective techniques and revolutionizing crop production across Rajshahi, particularly in Godagari upazila, as young entrepreneurs and grassroots farmers embrace innovation.

Two young friends, Sarwar Rashid and Nurullah Sadekin Sourav, have leased 12 bighas of land in the Iswaripur area under Godagari upazila and started cultivating high-value fruits and crops using digital farming tools and mechanized methods.

"We've integrated mechanization and digitalization into farming to increase productivity and profitability by applying our IT knowledge and experience," Sarwar Rashid told BSS, adding that they are working in close coordination with local agriculture officers for guidance.

He said they have already succeeded in producing and selling grafted seedlings of various fruits and vegetables. They are also supplying seedlings of summer watermelon, cauliflower, and cabbage to local farmers.

Shafiqul Islam, 45, a progressive farmer from Nazirpur village, has turned himself into a digital agriculture entrepreneur. He now operates various modern farming equipment, including a reaper, binder, power thresher, fertilizer sprayer, bed planter, seed sowing tray, and strip tillage system.

He maintains a Facebook Messenger group with around 250 farmers, through which he provides real-time farming services based on demand.

Another farmer, Anisuzzaman Dollar, 48, from Dewpara village, said he regularly receives weather forecasts, pest management advice, and irrigation and fertilization guidance from the Farmers' Information and Advice Center (FIAC) via a Facebook Messenger group operated by the Union Parishad.

Similarly, Monirul Islam, 40, has become a role model by using the Khamari App to practice balanced fertilization. The app discourages indiscriminate fertilizer use, helping him save up to Tk 50,000 per season while protecting soil health and boosting productivity.

"I cultivate paddy, wheat, watermelon, maize, and mustard on 16 bighas of land. Using digital tools, I'm earning an additional Tk 60,000 in every season," Monirul Islam said.

He added that the Khamari App has been highly effective in digitizing data related to agriculture, enabling farmers to make informed decisions. "It's a timely and farmer-friendly solution," he noted.

Experts say digital farming tools and cost-effective techniques such as bed planting, solar-powered drip irrigation, and balanced fertilization are not only enhancing yields but also reducing input costs and building resilience against climate change.

Farmers in the region are now receiving a wide range of demand-driven services, including training, access to modern machinery, and ICT-based information, directly at their doorsteps.

Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Atanu Sarker told BSS that each FIAC center is equipped with seed samples, leaflets, spray machines, ribbon pipes for irrigation, seed moisture meters, and training facilities-all offered free of cost.

"We use mobile phones, email, and BanglaSMS to disseminate agricultural messages. Platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Zoom, and Skype are also in use to reach farmers efficiently," he said.

Godagari Upazila Agriculture Officer Mariam Ahmed said farmers are receiving critical information through mobile applications on crop zoning, land fertility, season-specific crops, seed quality, yield estimation, and modern farming technologies.

"These services are helping farmers make informed decisions while also promoting crop diversification and efficient land use. The Khamari App has opened a new horizon in digital agriculture," she added.

She also emphasized the importance of quality seeds and digital tools in improving food security and enhancing production.

Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Dr Azizur Rahman, said, "Substantial and sustainable use of modern technologies is essential to make the country self-reliant in food and to address the challenges of climate change."

He said the DAE, under the National Agricultural Technology Programme, is operating FIACs in different Union Parishads to provide grassroots farmers with updated agricultural information and advisory services.

"Around 12 types of services, including some emergency ones, are being delivered. Counseling through phone and WhatsApp has become especially valuable in reaching farmers in remote areas," he added.

Agricultural officials and experts agree that the growing use of ICT, mechanization, and digital services is transforming the agro-economy in Rajshahi and other regions, empowering farmers and enhancing rural livelihoods.