, Jan. 4 -- In a move aimed at safeguarding fisheries, livestock, and biodiversity, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has announced plans to regulate and limit pesticide use in agricultural fields across haor areas during the forthcoming Boro rice season.

The decision was taken at the second meeting of an inter-ministerial committee held at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock to determine follow-up actions on pesticide use in haor areas.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said after the monsoon, receding water levels in the haor areas mark the start of Robi crop cultivation, particularly Boro rice.

In pursuit of higher yields, she said, many farmers apply pesticides indiscriminately, which poses serious threats to ...