A young entrepreneur has experimentally cultivated Vietnamese black rice for the first time in Bochaganj upazila of Dinajpur, drawing interest from local farmers over its potential profitability.
Rakibul Haque, a resident of Dighori village in Nafanagar Union who cultivated the crop on 33 decimals of leased land, said he became interested in black rice after learning about it online. He first bought 1kg of rice for Tk550 to taste it before deciding to cultivate the crop. He later purchased 2kg of seeds online for Tk1,150 and raised seedlings.
Unable to secure permission to use his family’s ancestral land, he leased 33 decimals for Tk24,000 and transplanted the seedlings on July 9. The crop is expected to be harvested between October 10 and 12. “Black rice does not require additional fertiliser, irrigation or special care compared with conventional rice,” Rakibul said.
He expects to harvest 18-20 maunds of rice from the plot. With black rice currently selling for around Tk400 per kg, he expects potential sales of about Tk320,000 if the projected yield and market price are achieved.
According to the agriculture department, black rice is rich in antioxidants, anthocyanin, fibre and iron. Its nutritional value has made it popular among health-conscious consumers, while it is also sought after by Chinese restaurants.
Local residents have been visiting the field ahead of the harvest, and some have contacted Rakibul to collect seeds for future cultivation. Local farmers Shambhu Roy and Jewel said they were interested in growing black rice after seeing the crop’s growth and condition.
Rakibul’s father, Aminul Haque, initially opposed the project, calling his son’s internet-inspired venture “madness” and refusing to provide ancestral land. He has since changed his mind after seeing the crop’s progress. “I am ready to support my son in any way I can after seeing the success of his initiative,” he said.
Bochaganj Upazila Agriculture Officer Nayan Kumar Saha said wider cultivation of the nutrient-rich rice could contribute to the country’s agricultural economy.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Maruf Hasan said this was the first black rice cultivation in Bochaganj. “If production and marketing can be properly ensured, it could be a profitable crop for farmers,” he said.
