Bangladesh’s map in Khulna paddy field promotes new variety

Farmers in Rupsha Upazila of Khulna have recreated the map of Bangladesh by cultivating “Bangabandhu Dhan-100” in two different colours marking the birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. 

The border has been created by purple-coloured paddy while the map’s body contains green paddy. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched the new variety of paddy invented by scientists of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute in 2021, on World Food Day, marking the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Fifteen farmers of the upazila took the initiative to recreate the map with the assistance of the local officials of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE). 

The farmers also wrote “Mujib Shotoborsho Bangabandhu Dhan-100” in the body of the map using the purple paddy.

Farmers in Rupsha Upazila of Khulna have recreated the map of Bangladesh by cultivating 'Bangabandhu Dhan-100' paddy in two different colours marking the birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Dhaka Tribune

Farmers in Khulna began experimental cultivation of the freshly invented zinc-rich variety as the DAE distributed the seeds free of cost in eight upazilas in the division.

They yielded a bumper harvest of the new variety on 12 hectares of land in Rupsha Upazila.  

People from different areas are thronging the field to see for themselves the purple-green map. 

The new variety – enriched with high zinc content and high yield potential – got regulatory approval on February 9, 2021, and it was given to farmers for cultivation in the next Boro season.

One of the farmers Sultanur Rahman Multan said he had prepared his land in December for cultivating the new variety. He is expecting a thriving business this season.

Rupsha Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Fariduzzaman said that the purple variety of paddy was brought in from Gaibandha to beautify the map. 

The high-zinc-rich rice variety is golden in colour and medium-thin sized. The height of a fully grown plant of “Bangabandhu Dhan 100” is 101 centimetres. Its lifespan is 148 days, and the average yield is 7.7 tons per hectare. 

However, with proper care and a favourable environment, it is capable of yielding up to 8.8 tons per hectare, according to DAE officials.