RANGPUR, Nov 26: The growers of aromatic rice under Rangpur and Dinajpur districts are optimistic of achieving an excellent yield of crops during current season.
According to Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), Rangpur official sources, farmers have cultivated different varieties of aromatic rice across the region this year.
Among those varieties BRRI-dhan 34, Kalijira, Badshabhog Zirakatari, Kataribhog Chinigura, Uknimadhu and Basmati varieties are much popular among the cultivators.
DAE sources said, farmers across the region are showing their interest in its large scale farming on account of growing demand and high prices. This year around 3,800 hectares of land have been brought under the farming of aromatic rice in Rangpur district.
Md. Maminul Islam, a farmer of Nazirhat area at Rangpur City Corporation told the FE that he has been cultivating Kataribhog variety of aromatic rice for the last several years and earning good profit which is encouraging to others.
This year he is expecting a good yield of the crop. Its harvesting is expected to begin within three or four days, he also said.
Chirirbandar upazila in Dinajpur district is well-known for the farming of aromatic rice. Farmers including Rashidul, Motaleb, Solaiman, Hashem of Fatejangpur and Awaliapukur unions of the upazila said the cultivation of aromatic rice owing to good profit. BRRI-dhan 34 aromatic rice has been cultivated abundantly in 12 unions under the upazila, sources said.
DAE sources said this year around 9,600 hectares of land have been brought under BRRI dhan-34 farming in Chirirbandar upazila and many farmers are farming it on commercial basis as well, sources added.
Due to good yield and higher market price in comparison with other varieties its farming is on the rise across the upazila. Its farming is also playing a vital role in changing socio-economic condition of the peasants of the region, sources further said.
DAE, sources said the prospect of aromatic rice farming is bright in the region. The farming of the paddy can be enhanced by utilising modern technologies.
Such varieties of aromatic rice have the potential to attract global markets as well, after meeting local demand, sources also said.
Due to congenial weather condition and timely supply of necessary agri-inputs the farmers of the region are hopeful about getting a bumper yield of the crop this season, sources added.
