A promising breakthrough has been achieved in the experimental cultivation of premium rice varieties, including Basmati, in Phulbari upazila of Dinajpur district.
Under an initiative by Pranabango Millers, a total of 12 improved rice varieties are currently being tested for their adaptability and yield under local conditions. These include Pakistani and Indian Basmati, black rice varieties from Vietnam and Indonesia, and several advanced local strains.
Md Afzal Hossain, Deputy Director of the district Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), recently visited the experimental fields and expressed satisfaction with the overall performance of the crops. He noted that the varieties have demonstrated encouraging growth and yield potential.
According to agronomist Md Naushad Hossain of Pranabango Millers, the initiative aims to reduce Bangladesh’s dependence on imported Basmati rice by enabling domestic production of high-quality aromatic and specialty rice. He added that the project also seeks to develop a sustainable value chain that ensures fair pricing for farmers while making premium rice more accessible to consumers.
Field observations indicate successful cultivation across all 12 varieties in the demonstration plots. Among them, Basmati rice has stood out for its grain length and distinctive aroma. Meanwhile, black rice—recognized for its deep purple-black color and nutty flavor—has drawn attention for its high antioxidant content and potential health benefits, including reduced risks associated with diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
The initiative also incorporates locally important varieties such as Katari paddy, along with improved strains developed by the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), including BRRI Dhan-50, 108, 113, and 114, as well as Banglamati and two coarse aromatic varieties. Some of the seeds have been sourced from international origins.
In its initial phase, cultivation is being conducted under controlled management conditions. If results continue to meet expectations in terms of yield and quality, there are plans to expand seed distribution among farmers on a larger scale.
Experts believe the initiative could have a significant impact on the country’s agricultural economy. Professor Dr ATM Shafiqul Islam of the Agriculture Department at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University stated that successful adaptation of these varieties to local soil and climate could open new opportunities for producing export-quality aromatic rice.
Officials involved in the project remain optimistic that increased domestic production of premium rice varieties will reduce import dependence and create new economic opportunities for farmers across Bangladesh.