Jhalokathi, Oct 27 (V7N) – A farmer in Kathalia upazila of Jhalokathi has covered his 33-decimal paddy field with netting to protect the ripened crop from birds, insects and livestock ahead of harvest.
The unusual initiative has drawn the attention of nearby farmers in the Bangshbunia area of Amua Union, where Nil Ratan Howlader has covered both the sides and the top of his field with nets.
During a field visit on Monday morning, the nets were seen secured to poles around the field, with the lower edges arranged to prevent livestock from entering and damaging the crop.
Howlader said he had cultivated the early-maturing BRRI dhan-87 variety for the first time this season and had obtained a good yield from the 33-decimal plot.
However, as the paddy ripened, he became concerned about potential losses caused by birds and other animals. He decided to use netting to protect the crop he had invested considerable time, money and labour in growing.
“Rice cultivation requires a lot of hard work and money. If the crop is damaged just before harvest, all that effort goes to waste. Although the netting has added to my costs, I decided to cover the entire field to protect the harvest,” he said.
Local farmers said they usually use scarecrows or reflective ribbons to keep birds away from ripening paddy. Covering an entire field with netting, however, is a new approach in the area and has attracted visits from curious farmers.
Kathalia Upazila Agriculture Officer Fatema Islam said crop damage caused by birds and other animals was common during the ripening season.
She praised Howlader’s initiative, saying properly installed netting could help protect crops. Other farmers could consider adopting the method depending on their needs and local conditions, she added.
She said protecting crops before harvest was crucial for farmers and that adopting practical, innovative methods could benefit the agricultural sector.
END/MAI/SMA/
