Photo : BSS

LALMONIRHAT, Jan 25, 2026 (BSS) - A programme aimed at increasing the use of 
modern agricultural technology through rice transplanters, a specialized farm 
machine that automates planting rice seedlings in the paddy fields, was 
inaugurated in the district on Sunday during the ongoing Boro season.

The initiative, organised by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), 
Sadar Upazila Office, was held around 1:00 pm in Sindhumati area of 
Panchagram Union. Under the programme, paddy seedlings produced in trays were 
planted using rice transplanters, with about 2,500 tray-grown seedlings used 
on the day.

Additional Deputy Director (Grains) of the DAE Md. Matiul Alam attended the 
event as the chief guest while Sadar Upazila Agriculture Extension Officer 
Md. Nuruzzaman Rony was present as special guest with Sadar Upazila 
Agriculture Officer Khandaker Sohael Ahmed in the chair. 

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Lalmonirhat District Correspondent Md. 
Bipul Islam, Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officers of the concerned block, 
other officials of the Agriculture Department, and local farmers were also 
present at the event.

Speaking as the chief guest, Md. Matiul Alam said that planting tray-grown 
seedlings through rice transplanters is a groundbreaking technology for the 
Boro season. This method significantly reduces the cost of seedling 
production and transplantation, he added. 

Since the roots of the seedlings remain intact, the plants grow faster and 
healthier, enabling farmers to transplant paddy on nearly 15 bighas of land 
within a short time.

He also said that the DAE is providing regular field-level support and 
training to help farmers maintain healthy seedlings during winter and foggy 
conditions, while encouraging the adoption of mechanized farming practices.

In his address, Upazila Agriculture Officer (UAO) Khandaker Sohael Ahmed 
highlighted that the use of rice transplanters saves both labor and time.

He explained that seedlings grown in trays suffer no root damage and can 
absorb nutrients from the soil quickly. As the seedlings form mat-like 
structures, the planting process becomes easier and more efficient, the UAO 
said.

Tray-grown seedlings remain comparatively healthier in cold and adverse 
weather conditions, and seedlings aged between 20 and 25 days are most 
suitable for planting with rice transplanters, he added.

He also praised Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officers Ferdous Islam and 
Jahangir Alam for their tireless efforts in implementing the programme and 
motivating farmers to adopt modern technology.

Farmers participating in the programme expressed keen interest in using rice 
transplanters and voiced their determination to move forward with mechanized 
rice cultivation in the future.