BRRI dhan75 will open new horizons of potential in the north

As BRRI dhan75 is a potential early and short-duration variety of Aman, it will open new doors of possibilities for early cultivation of potato, mustard, maize, wheat and other rabi crops across the country, especially in the north.

Under the USAID-funded CSISA (Cereal Systems Initiative for the South Asia) project, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) under the supervision of Rice Farming Systems Department of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute conducted the outreach experiment in the field of farmer Subash Chandra in Khiar Jumma village of Rangpur Taraganj Upazila.

Chief Investigator of CSISA-BRRI part and Principal Scientific Officer of the Department of Rice Farming Systems Amina Khatun said that although the production technology of this variety is illustrated to sow seeds between 20th July to 20th August, but sowing seeds on 20th June and transplanting 20 days old seedling on 10th July yields 5 tons per hectare in just 104 days.

She further mentioned that this variety has higher yield in advance than other high yielding varieties produced in the region at this time of early October. Due to the early characteristics, it is possible to cultivate potato, mustard, maize or other high value rabi crops very easily in the first week of October after harvesting this BRRI paddy variety. Hence, this will create an opportunity to increase national cropping intensity.

Neighboring farmer Badal Mia says that there is a shortage of fodder at this time, which would result in higher prices for rice straw.

Agricultural research expert of International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Bangladesh part Md. Abu Abdullah Miyaji mentioned about the characteristics of this variety, the rice of this variety is long and slender. Light aroma is also available after cooking.

He further added that under this project, an initiative has been taken to brand the rice through auto rice millers to bring the rice to the consumer level.

Director General of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Md. Shahjahan Kabir said the short-life cycle of this variety would open the doors for farmers to cultivate a new variety. Farmers will be able to plant rabi crops easily after cutting this variety. Again, due to early harvesting of this paddy and its premium quality, higher market price of the farmer will be ensured. He hoped that this variety would bring blessings to the farmers all over the country, especially in the north.