Dinajpur:The successful cultivation of 52 high-yielding Aman rice varieties in a single field in Dinajpur has created a practical learning center for farmers. This initiative allows them to compare different varieties and identify those best suited to their land and local conditions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the demonstration field, set up at Huglipara village in Kaugaon under Shashra union of Dinajpur Sadar upazila, is an initiative of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) under its Local Seed Technology Development (LSTD) project. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between agricultural research and field-level farming by bringing improved rice varieties and modern cultivation techniques directly to farmers, helping boost productivity and strengthen the country's food security.
Project Director Md Anwar Hossain confirmed the success of the demonstration, noting that 15 technology villages had been established across the country under the project, with Huglipara emerging as a notable example. The field, established during the current Aman season under the supervision of BRRI's Dinajpur regional office, features 52 varieties developed by the institute.
Farmers visiting the site can observe differences in plant height, growth patterns, panicle structure, maturity period, potential yield, disease resistance, and adaptability to local environmental conditions. This hands-on approach enables them to make informed decisions based on direct observation rather than relying solely on information from others. Field visits, practical training, and participatory demonstrations are also helping them identify suitable varieties for cultivation on their own land.
Md Sohag Ali, an assistant scientific officer of the project, mentioned that the technology villages aim to popularize BRRI-developed rice varieties and agricultural technologies while enhancing farmers' skills to increase production. Under the initiative, farmers receive training on variety selection, land preparation, quality seed use, fertilizer application, and the appropriate use of agricultural machinery. They are also provided with seeds and technical assistance to encourage the adoption of improved varieties.
Local farmer Nani Gopal expressed that the initiative had helped him gain practical knowledge of rice cultivation while receiving assistance with seeds, fertilizers, and other farming-related matters. Similarly, young farmer Abdur Razzak highlighted that the project had expanded their knowledge about rice varieties, cultivation methods, and maturity periods, making it easier to decide which variety to cultivate.
The technology village features several BR series varieties, including BR-3, BR-4, BR-5, and many others, along with hybrid varieties. These demonstrations have been ongoing across the three major growing seasons, allowing farmers to compare varieties and learn about research findings relevant to their conditions.
BRRI officials emphasize that increasing rice productivity requires not only raising output but also the efficient use of water, quality seeds, and modern agricultural technologies. The LSTD project is working to improve farmers' skills in 15 technology villages nationwide by bringing research-based knowledge and improved rice varieties directly to farming communities.
The demonstration field in Huglipara is helping translate agricultural research into practical knowledge by enabling farmers to observe results firsthand, receive technical guidance, and identify rice varieties suited to their land. BRRI officials hope that the experience gained in Huglipara will encourage more farmers to adopt improved rice varieties and appropriate cultivation techniques, contributing to higher productivity, better livelihoods, and sustainable food security in Bangladesh.