The government has decided to procure potatoes directly from farmers this year in a bid to ensure fair prices for growers amid a sharp decline in domestic rates due to higher production.

Shafiqul Islam, a farmer in Putia upazila of Rajshahi, initially started growing a new variety of guava, called Thai guava, on five bighas of leased land about five years ago in hopes of turning his fortunes.

Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation yesterday destroyed around 229 tonnes of unsold jute seeds due to alleged low germination.

At least 30 contractual workers of Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) fell sick, suspected to be from inhalation of a toxic chemical, at its warehouse at Tebunia village in Pabna yesterday.