Record 2.97 lakh tonnes aromatic rice produced in N-region

The farmers have produced an all-time record quantity of over 2.97 lakh tonnes aromatic rice in the immediate past Transplanted Aman (T-Aman) season in northern Bangladesh, official sources said.
The farmers have produced 2.97 lakh tonnes aromatic rice in 2013 from 1.58 lakh hectares land, 1.31 lakh tonnes or 78.70 percent higher that the production of 1.66 lakh tonnes from 89,674 hectares land of the previous 2012 year. According to the officials and experts in the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) and other organisations, increasing demand with lucrative price of aromatic rice have been inspiring the farmers in enhancing its cultivation and production every year.
The farmers had cultivated aromatic rice on over 1.58 lakh hectares of land and produced 2.97 lakh tonnes of different variety of aromatic rice with an average yield rate of over 1.876 tonnes per hectare in the region this time. The farmers had mostly cultivated BRRI dhan 34, 37 and 38, Kalijira, Kataribhog, Chinikatari, Chinigura (Zirakatari), Philippine Katari, Jotakatari, Rasunbhog, Badshabhog, Nenia, Uknimadhu, Khirshabhog, Basmati, Tilakpur, Hawaii, Dulabhog, Begunbichi, Babuibhog, Binnyaful and some other varieties of aromatic rice.
Talking to journalists, Horticulture Specialist of the DAE Khondker Md Mesbahul Islam said medium low-land is suitable for farming aromatic rice and its production could be increased easily available through ensuring supplementary irrigation.
Internationally reputed rice scientist and Associate Director- Agriculture of BRAC International (South Asia & Africa), Dr M A Mazid said prospect of expanded cultivation of aromatic rice to increase its production is brighter in the country’s northern region.
He suggested for putting special importance on improving crushing and processing systems for aromatic rice and said the farmers could get more profits through expanded farming of Basmati, Chinigura, Kalijira and BRRI dhan 34 varieties.
Consultant of International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Bangladesh Dr MG Neogi stressed for increasing exports through boosting aromatic rice production and adopting integrated pest managements and maximum use of composts during its cultivation.
Agriculture and Environment Coordinator of RDRS Bangladesh Mamunur Rashid said aromatic rice like Basmati, Chinigura, Kalijira and BRRI dhan 34 being produced in the northern region are of international standard and attracting more buyers abroad.
The experts said there are enormous potentials for further enhancing aromatic rice production utilizing the latest conservation agriculture technologies and existing natural resources and added that these varieties could be exported after meeting local demand.