Photo: Collected

By Faraji Ahmed Rafiq Baban

NATORE, Dec 6, 2025 (BSS) - The experimental cultivation of BRRI Dhan-103, a promising short-duration and fine-grain Aman variety developed by the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), has achieved remarkable success in Natore, raising hopes for enhanced food security and increased farmer profitability.

Following encouraging results from last season’s trial cultivation, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) expanded the initiative this year. 

Demonstration plots were established across seven upazilas under various agricultural projects, including the notable Partner Project, which supported farmers by providing seeds and fertilizers for two-acre plots in each area. 

Alongside these government-supported farms, many local farmers have independently shown interest in cultivating the variety. In total, BRRI Dhan-103 has been cultivated on 733 hectares of land in the district this season.

Tariq Hossain, a farmer from Rathunia village in Baraigram upazila, reported impressive yields. “I prepared the seedbed in July, and it took 28 days for the seedlings. The crop matured in 132 days. From four bighas of land, I harvested 22 maunds per bigha, while other Aman varieties usually give around 18 maunds,” he said.

Another farmer, Masud Rana of Gopalpur village in the same upazila, echoed the positive experience. Cultivating the variety for the first time on six bighas, he said, “There were fewer incidences of blast and pests, so I used less fertilizer and pesticides. Even so, the yield was higher—I got 23 maunds per bigha.”

According to Selim Reza, Deputy Assistant Agricultural Officer of the Banpara block, the demonstration farms have become learning hubs. “Farmers closely observed all stages of BRRI Dhan-103 cultivation and have shown strong interest in adopting it next season,” he said.

In Singra upazila, farmer Md. Zahir from Hatiandaha village harvested 22 maunds per bigha. He noted that the fine-grain, slender rice is likely to fetch a better market price. “The plants are also relatively tall, so the straw adds extra value,” he added.

Similarly, Md. Sabuj of Dahiya village said he benefited significantly from cultivating the variety. “Seeing the high yield and good grain quality, other farmers in the area are also becoming interested. With access to seeds, cultivation will expand further next season,” he said.

Singra Upazila Agriculture Officer Khandaker Farid Hasan confirmed that three demonstration farms were established under the Partner Project. “Each farm has effectively served as a training center. Hundreds of farmers visited and expressed interest in growing this variety. We expect rapid expansion,” he said.

Baraigram Upazila Agriculture Officer Sajeeb Al Maruf highlighted the variety’s potential. “BRRI Dhan-103 has great promise. We are encouraging farmers to preserve seeds from the demonstration plots so they can benefit from wider cultivation in the future.”

Md. Habibul Islam Khan, Deputy Director of the DAE, emphasized the variety’s advantages. 

“The average yield of BRRI Dhan-103 is 22 to 25 maunds per bigha. Along with higher yields, its short life cycle allows farmers to plant mustard or onion-garlic earlier after harvest. 

This variety holds immense potential for ensuring food security,” he said.

With its strong performance, BRRI Dhan-103 is emerging as a key resource for boosting agricultural productivity and improving livelihoods across Natore.