Academics, agriculture scientists and researchers at an event in Sylhet laid emphasis on further research and cultivation of high-value aromatic rice varieties across the country through adopting modern methods.
AB Krishi Prakolpo organised the event at Alampur, near Gotatikor BSCIC Industrial area, on Monday.
Speaking as the chief guest, Agriculture Faculty Dean of Sylhet Agriculture University (SAU) Prof Dr Md Abul Kashem said pioneer had done a laudable role by yielding better crops of different aromatic rice varieties.
"We all should appreciate the role of farmer Abdul Basit. It would open a new era as many farmers would again start producing aromatic rice. It has a good demand at home and abroad", Mr Kashem added.
DAE additional director, Sylhet division, Md Altabur Rahman said, "We need to ensure food safety when the country has already achieved sufficiency in food production. Farmer Abdul Basit has already set a good example by cultivating varieties of aromatic rice."
The meeting was told that Abdul Basit had cultivated 18 lost or almost-forgotten varieties of aromatic rice, like Sankar, Chinigura, Kataribhog, Balam, Tola Biroin, Kalabhat, Dadkhani, Gainja, Ranarshail, Badshabhog, Radhatilok, Gorcisahil, Kalijira-1 Kalijira-II and Pakhi Biroin. The produce was also exhibited on the event, attended by a good number of farmers.
A group of students of Agriculture Faculty, SAU, who transplanted the said paddy varieties on the field of Basit's AB Krishi Prakolpo three months ago, joined the event.
Farmer Abdul Basit also shared his experience in farming the paddy varieties at the meeting.
Former acting mayor of Sylhet City Corporation Md Azam Khan presided over the fuction.
Meanwhile, BSS from Netrakona adds: The district DAE and farmers here hoped that over 21,000 tonnes of aromatic rice would be produced in the district this session.
The aromatic rice is popularly known as BRRI-34, Kalozira, Tulsimala, Chinishail and Nunia.
DAE officials on Tuesday said 10,000 hectares of land have been fixed target to
bring under cultivation of the sweet-smelling rice this year.
Many cultivators of the district had been showing their keen interest for the last several years for producing the export quality rice on their farm and fellow lands due to high demand and getting better price, they also said.
"The rice growers were provided with the information about modern methods of rice cultivation and maintaining standard quality of rice by the DAE experts and field-workers" they added.
Deputy director of DAE Bilash Chandra Paul said that farmers produced 20,000 tonnes of the rice last year and they earned more cash by marketing the rice.
