Call to build surface water dependent irrigation system
Barind region
BSS
RAJSHAHI: Expressing their grave concern over the gradually mounting pressure on groundwater table researchers and irrigation experts at a stakeholders workshop unequivocally called more surface water based irrigation projects in the region and the high Barind tract in particular, reports BSS.
They referred to the excessive use of groundwater for irrigation purposes leaving impacts on agriculture in the drought-prone area and mentioned that protecting groundwater resources has become indispensable for making its agricultural system protected and sustainable to feed the countrys gradually increasing population.
To this end, judicious and careful use of ground and surface water in agriculture sector is necessary to attain food sufficiency during the present day hazards of climate change.
Study and Research Division of Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) organised the seminar titled Building of Surface Water Dependent Effective Irrigation System In Barind Area at conference hall of Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) in the city Monday.
With BMDA Chairman Dr Akram Hossain Chowdhury in the chair, Pro-VC of Rajshahi University Prof Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan and Co-Chairman of Study and Research Circle Tazul Islam presented two separate research papers on the issue.
BMDA Superintending Engineer Shamsul Huda, Additional Director of Department of Agriculture Extension Fazlur Rahman, Researcher Prof Dr Saifuddin Chowdhury, Principal Scientific Officer of Regional Wheat Research Station Dr Ilias Hossain and Senior Scientific Officer of On Farm Research Division Dr Shakhawat Hossain spoke on the occasion disseminating their respective expertise.
Researcher Dr Jaminur Rahman moderated the discussion. Professor Sarwar Jahan said excessive extraction of groundwater is already leaving an impact on Rajshahi. Underground natural reservoirs are not replenishing due to reduced rainfall.
