Rajshahi: Around 37.25 lakh tonnes of Irri-Boro rice are expected to be produced from 8.19 lakh hectares of land across all eight districts of the Rajshahi division in the current season, according to officials.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set a target of producing 17.23 lakh tonnes of rice from 3.66 lakh hectares in the Rajshahi Agricultural Zone and 20.02 lakh tonnes from 4.53 lakh hectares in the Bogura Agricultural Zone.
This year, DAE plans to develop seedbeds on approximately 40,209 hectares, emphasizing high-yielding varieties. Despite the winter weather and fog, farmers are diligently caring for their seedbeds. Dr. Azizur Rahman, the additional director of the DAE, stated that district and field officials are advising farmers to protect seedbeds from the cold by using polythene covers at night.
Dr. Rahman emphasized the importance of achieving the rice production target to ensure food security in the region, particularly in the Barind tract. Monimul Haque, a farmer from Premtali village, has prepared seedbeds on 25 decimals of land for paddy cultivation on 18 bighas. He is hopeful of transplanting seedlings within a month and has taken preventive measures against cold-related diseases.
The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) regional office is providing training, projection plots, and high-yielding varieties to farmers to ensure the success of Irri-Boro farming. Dr. Muhammad Hossain, BRRI's chief scientific officer, announced the development of 14 Boro varieties suitable for the Rajshahi region, including Brridhan50, Brridhan58, and Brridhan84, each with unique attributes such as export quality, high yield, and enriched nutrients.
Dr. Hossain noted that agriculture officials and scientists are working to deliver these modern varieties to farmers to enhance yields. The transition to modern varieties is seen as a positive development for increasing production. He also highlighted the necessity of addressing climate change challenges with limited resources and manpower to boost rice production.
Grassroots farmers are reportedly satisfied with the improved yields and market prices, significantly contributing to the region's food security in recent years.