There are lots of factors working in soil and water causing low production of rice. Temperature on earth increases with the increased content of carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere due to rapid deforestation and industrialisation. Sulphur dioxide, sulphur trioxide, methane and CFC also play vital role in enhancing temperature. The state of atmosphere that prevails at a particular locality at a particular moment is called weather of that locality for that moment. Hence, the condition of atmosphere means its temperature, pressure, moisture and with these compositions the condition of air is understood. The composition varies regularly and so temporary change in weather at a particular period cannot be regarded as the only cause for this type of disaster -- appearance of mildew. Timely action could have averted this loss of yield.

It is accepted that soil, water and air are components of environment and if these are kept from pollution, environment remains healthy and clean, not only for survival of organisms but also for susceptibility, growth and quality of crops. The real cause of appearance of this fungus must be identified and immediate solution found in order to contain this disease for maximising quantum of grain yield. Main reasons may be deficiency of minerals like Zinc (Zn) and Sulphur(S) and low organic matter content in soil of that particular area. The soil should have been tested earlier for the presence of those minerals and their maximum availability to the plants ensured.

Nowadays it is thought that calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg) play an important role in the availability of Zn and S. So, it is also thought these secondary but major nutrients (Ca and Mg) be present in sufficient amount in the soil to help uptake of Zn and S and these are directly required for application in deficient area for the growth of rice.

This interaction among and between the nutrients in soil takes place showing synergistic and antagonistic relationships between them. Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides also deteriorate quality of soil. There are instances of depletion of nutrients due to continuous use of these chemical compounds resulting in antagonistic character of nutrients ultimately showing less availability of Zn and S.

Presence of excessive nitrate in soil retards the availability of important nutrients necessary for nourishment of plants. This is true inclement weather exerts pressure on the plants and ultimately the crops appear laying down on the field before harvesting and the poor farmers are deprived of the proper benefit for which they have worked so hard.

Besides the above problem, there is another report about attack of cold virus in other part of the country and no preventive measure could be taken so far or advised for eradication of such disease. Organic pesticides may be tried to overcome this hazard and optimise production of rice. Blast is also one of the most important fungal diseases of rice caused by Pyrecularia oryzae rendering severe damage to rice plants especially lowland rice, reducing yield by 50 percent. A new concept of using micronutrients as fertilizer to contain blast can be helpful. This has been brought to light that rice grown in soils deficient in silicon, boron, molybdenum have high incidence of blast. But there is lack of enough important information and exhaustive studies have not yet been carried out in this regard.

Another serious thought may be given by the present government to cheaper availability of agricultural inputs to the farmers such as fertilizer, seeds, diesel, irrigation water and electricity. Assurance was given by the past government for ready supply of those inputs at cheaper rate. But they failed to supply those in requirements needed for sustainable agriculture.

Reducing the harmful and enhancing the beneficial environmental effects to ensure sustainable and economically efficient agriculture sector should be the important policy objectives of our government. The aims and objectives should be to sort out the problems of soil and water management and specific recommendations be made for their remedial measure to ensure food security.

Qualitative changes should be brought to crop production management and motivation programmes to induce the farmers to go for modern cultivation. Maintenance of soil and water should be given due attention by the scientists and researchers to accomplish the desired goals. Farmers of our country be acquainted with the knowledge of management of soil and water to start modern cultivation by adopting scientific methods required for the purpose.

They should also be apprised of danger of excessive use of and over dependence on ground water which may have long term negative impact on environment. This dependency can be reduced by ensuring best utilisation of surface water for the purpose of irrigation. It should be remembered that the quality of irrigation water be first tested to ascertain the absence of heavy metals like arsenic, mercury and chromium which affect the productivity of crops.

It is a matter of great satisfaction to note that the present government has taken various programmes to alleviate poverty. Higher yield of rice is one of the ways to do it. Therefore, in order to achieve success in the production of rice necessary sustainable ways must be found out.

Dr Md Shahjahan Ali is Professor, Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University.