Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, July 4, 2025 (BSS) – Continuous rainfall since the end of summer has brought relief to farmers in Rajshahi, especially in the Barind region, allowing them to prepare seedbeds for transplanted Aman paddy cultivation.

Officials of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said Aman farming in the Barind tract is entirely rain-dependent. In contrast to the last three years when rainfall was inadequate during seedbed preparation, this year's consistent rainfall has encouraged farmers to begin early preparations.

Hafizur Rahman, a farmer of Dangapara village under Paba Upazila, has planned for cultivating Aman paddy on 18 bigha of land and has started preparing seedbeds.

Talking to BSS, Rahman said it takes about a month for the seedlings to grow before transplantation.

"While the rainfall has been a blessing, excessive rain could become a problem," he added.

Matiur Rahman, another farmer of Pranpur village under Tanore Upazila, had a good yield and market price of Aman paddy in the last season, inspiring him to cultivate the paddy on more land this year.

"I have planned to grow Aman paddy on all my lands this time and have prepared seedbeds," said Rahman.

DAE officials said a target has been set to bring 84,255 hectares of land under the Aman paddy cultivation in the district this season.

DAE Deputy Director Umme Salma said the farmers are very interested to cultivate transplanted Aman paddy as they had good yield and market price of both Aman and Boro paddy last season.

She said the seedbeds are being prepared using rainwater and transplantation will begin soon.

Mohammod Hossain, Chief Scientific Officer of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), said they have released seven modern varieties of Aman paddy—Brridhan 51, 56, 66, 71, 75, 80, 87, and 90—for the Barind region. These varieties are high-yielding, drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and mature faster than older varieties like Swarna.

He said farmers are being encouraged to adopt these varieties through block demonstrations, promotional plots, and free seed distribution. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts from scientists, researchers, and extension workers to increase Aman production and ensure national food security.

"As rice is the country's staple, enhancing its production by overcoming disease and climate challenges is essential," Dr Hossain added.