Ranishankoil Correspondent: The peasants of different areas under the upazila in Thakurgaon district are apprehensive about expected yield of Aman paddy as rats have attacked many paddy fields and were wreaking havoc. Farmers alleged that with the hope to recoup the losses of recent flood they began Aman farming with zeal but they are suffering massive losses as large area of Aman fields in the upazila have been affected by the rats. The rodents are indiscriminately cutting down Aman plants. According to the Upazila Agriculture Extension Department, the planting of aman has increased this time as compared to last time. Last year, 21,450 hectares of land was planted. Last year`s aman planting has exceeded the target. This time aman has been planted in 21 thousand 455 hectares of land in the upazila. It was seen while visiting the paddy fields,it seemed as if someone had cut the paddy field with sharp scissors. Many farmers use drugs to kill rats but do not get the results. Although the paddy in the field is good this year, the farmers are suffering due to the infestation of rats. Upazila Agriculture Officer Sanjay Debnath said, "We are continuing the campaign to kill rats from the Upazila Agriculture Department." We are trying to chase away the rats by filling them with water. In order to kill the rats, using Lanirat, the national pesticide, rat gets mad and dies in other places. We have been advising the farmers in various ways and they are reaping the benefits.