Sunamganj:A unique opportunity has emerged for farmers in Sunamganj as a new rice field showcases 52 different rice varieties, allowing them to compare and select those best suited to their specific land and local conditions. This innovative 'Rice Garden' has been established at Sadarpur village in Shantiganj upazila, spearheaded by the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI).
According to United News of Bangladesh, the initiative is part of the LST project, aiming to familiarize farmers with rice varieties that are particularly suitable for haor areas. This includes encouraging the adoption of improved varieties. Located strategically beside the Sylhet-Sunamganj regional highway, the garden features a diverse range of high-yielding, short-duration, zinc-enriched, aromatic, and improved cooking-quality rice varieties. It also includes varieties that are tolerant of drought, floods, and waterlogging.
Farmers like Sahel have expressed their surprise and approval of the initiative, noting that they had never seen such a wide range of rice varieties before. The garden's layout, complete with nameplates beside each variety, allows farmers to observe firsthand the differences in plant growth, height, and panicle characteristics. This hands-on approach helps them make informed decisions about which varieties may yield the best results for their own land.
In addition to the variety display, the BRRI Sunamganj regional office is actively working on various aspects of rice cultivation, including disease and pest management, balanced fertiliser application, bio-coated urea, and the use of solar-powered light traps. They are also showcasing agricultural machinery such as rice transplanters, weeders, and combine harvesters to help mitigate labor shortages. Farmers are being provided with training, advice, and support in obtaining seeds.
The range of rice varieties includes BRRI Dhan-112, 111, 110, and many others, along with BINA Dhan varieties and hybrid rice varieties. This comprehensive display aims to assist farmers in increasing rice production while adapting to natural challenges inherent in haor agriculture. Dr. Md Rejwan Bhuiyan, head and principal scientific officer of the BRRI Sunamganj Regional Office, emphasized that research is ongoing in various technologies, including fertiliser application and pest management. The initiatives are expected to enhance rice productivity in the haor areas, contributing significantly to national food security.