Agricultural practices in Huglipara of Dinajpur Sadar are undergoing a notable shift as previously fallow land during the Aus season has been brought under rice cultivation for the first time.
For years, farmers in the area mainly cultivated Boro and Aman rice, leaving significant portions of land unused during the Aus season. This pattern is now changing following Huglipara’s inclusion as a Technology Village under the Location-Based Rice Variety and Technology Innovation and Existing Laboratory Development (LSTD) project of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (Bangladesh Rice Research Institute), Dinajpur regional office.
Under the initiative, Aus rice has been cultivated this season on around 4.5 acres of land for the first time in the village. A demonstration rice garden showcasing 14 improved rice varieties has also been established at the entrance of the technology village, attracting strong interest from local farmers and offering hands-on exposure to modern cultivation techniques.
Although Dinajpur is among Bangladesh’s leading rice-producing districts, a considerable amount of land typically remains uncultivated during the Aus season. Agricultural experts say that utilizing this idle land can increase cropping intensity, raise total rice production, and improve farmers’ annual income.
Project Director of the LSTD program, Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain, said the initiative is promoting BRRI-developed improved rice varieties and modern technologies across 15 technology villages nationwide. He added that this year’s focus includes mechanized Aus cultivation, aimed at offsetting losses from recent Boro-season flooding and strengthening food security under climate stress conditions.
Syed Zahid Hasan, Scientific Officer at the BRRI regional office in Dinajpur, noted that farmers are showing growing interest in Aus cultivation after the introduction of the technology village model, supported by training, demonstrations, and field-level learning.
Local farmers also expressed optimism. Md. Mizanur Rahman said this was their first experience cultivating Aus rice under the project and that they plan to expand cultivation if yields are favorable. Md. Rashidul Islam added that he previously had no knowledge of Aus farming but has now started short-duration rice cultivation after receiving training through the BRRI program.
Experts believe that scaling up such initiatives could significantly reduce seasonal fallow land, boost national rice production, and enhance rural employment and incomes in the region.