Good aromatic rice yield in N-districts
Aromatic rice saw record yield in Rangpur region, comprising five northern districts, in the aman season this year as farmers increased cultivation for getting lucrative profit.
Horticulture specialist of Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) in Rangpur Khondokar Md Mesbahul Islam said 13,017 hectares of land were brought under cultivation of aromatic rice this year compared to 12,650 hectares last year.
Aromatic rice was cultivated on 5,272 hectares of land in Rangpur, 3,175 hectares in Gaibandha, 3,011 hectares in Nilphamari, 1,477 hectares in Kurigram and 82 hectares in Lalmonirhat.
The total production in the region was 30,626 tonnes, while it was 29,727 tonnes last year.
The most popular aromatic rice varieties are Kalijira, Chinigura, Kataribhog and new variety BRRI-dhan 34.
Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) recently developed BRRI–dhan 34, which has gained popularity among farmers within a short time for its outstanding quality and output, farmers said.
The other traditional varieties, which farmers cultivated, are Rasulbhog, Begunbichi, Badshabhog, Khirshabhog, Chinisagor, Zamaisagori and some others.
Mesbahul said medium low lying land with sufficient irrigation facility is suitable for aromatic rice cultivation and the soil of Rangpur agriculture region is ideal for the purpose.
Alluring flavour, good taste and high food value have created a demand for aromatic rice at home and abroad, enabling farmers to get lucrative prices.
Golam Mostofa, a big farmer at Angarpara village in Sadar upazila, said he cultivated aromatic rice on 30 bighas of land and earned more profit compared to coarse rice as a maund of aromatic rice is being sold in the markets at Tk 1,350 to Tk 1,400 compared to Tk 650 to Tk 700 for coarse rice.
Farmer Saidur Rahman of Kursha village in Rangpur said he had no problems in selling aromatic rice as agents of big companies come to his house to buy the produce.
Deputy Direcror of DAE in Nilphamari GM Idris said the inclination of farmers to aromatic rice cultivation is an outcome of the DAE's effort to popularise crop diversification, leaving behind traditional farming pattern, to bring about a revolutionary change.
Additional Director of regional DAE M Shah Alam said, “Special emphasis will be given to cultivating aromatic rice as this region is one of the biggest producers of the variety in the country. Its quality is very good, and it also benefits farmers as it is an export item.”
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