The New Nation - Internet Edition

AGRICULTURE scientists, according to recent reports, have developed a new aromatic rice variety claiming it to be very 'cost-effective' and 'disease-resistant'. This new variety of paddy, the scientists believe, will help mitigate sufferings of poor farmers, particularly of what is called 'Monga' areas in the northern districts. The variety can be harvested within 110 days after plantation. The scientists at the Agricultural University Rangpur in association with a local non-governmental organisation, RDRS, have developed the new variety of paddy named 'BU Dhan-1'. Earlier efforts were initiated jointly with the government's Agricultural Extension Department for the welfare of the poor farmers of the area following their persistent seasonal joblessness in the annual lean period.

This year, as many as 17 farmers in Rangpur district have cultivated the new variety following experimental cultivation by scientists. The Agricultural University and the RDRS initiated the research in 1994 to develop a variety suitable for the lean season to engage agriculture labourers who usually leave homes for cities and towns for temporary work till the next harvest time. Crossing two varieties of rice - 'KK-4' and 'Badshahbhog' - after an extensive research, scientists developed the new variety of paddy 'BU Dhan-1'.

The newly evolved grain is 'a short duration paddy' and got approval of the National Seed Board in August last. Farmers can plant saplings in mid-July and harvest rice in late October - a lean period. After the harvest, farmers can cultivate early variety of potato, pulse and vegetables on the same field, which will bring more benefit for them and create additional jobs in farm fields. During trial farming it was not affected by pest attack anywhere although 'Aman' paddy suffered such attacks. In cultivating the new variety of paddy, the farmers need not worry of such pest attacks.