In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Dinajpur, an innovative "Rice Garden" featuring 54 varieties of paddy has been established to promote food security, increase rice production, and popularise modern high-yielding rice varieties among farmers.
The project has been implemented under the 'Locality-based rice variety and technology innovation and existing laboratory development (LSTD) Project', with technical supervision from the regional office of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) in Dinajpur.
The demonstration plot was set up during the Boro 2025-26 season at the technology village of Kaugaon in Dinajpur Sadar, where 54 paddy e varieties developed by BRRI have been cultivated side by side.
According to project officials, similar paddy farms have been established in nearly 15 technology villages across different districts as part of a long-term plan led by LSTD Project Director Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain. The initiative aims to introduce farmers to improved paddy varieties and modern cultivation technologies, enabling them to compare the characteristics of different varieties directly in the field.
The Rice Garden allows farmers to observe differences in plant growth, height, panicle formation, disease resistance, yield potential, and grain quality, helping them select the most suitable varieties for local growing conditions.
The initiative has already encouraged local farmers, agricultural workers, and visitors. Many are visiting the field daily to gain firsthand knowledge about the performance of the various paddy strains, according to the project officials.
Local farmer Md. Abdul Alim from Kaugaon said he had never seen such a display before and noted that the experience had helped him decide which paddy variety he would cultivate in the next Boro season.
Scientific Officer Syed Zahid Hasan of BRRI's Dinajpur regional office said the demonstration is helping farmers become familiar with advanced paddy farming technologies. He added that such rice farms are planned for the upcoming Aus and Aman seasons.
BRRI Regional Acting Head and Senior Scientific officer Dr. Selima Jahan said the project enables farmers to evaluate multiple paddy varieties in one location, making it easier for them to choose the most suitable options for their areas and make informed cultivation decisions for future seasons.
Project Director Dr. Anwar Hossain described the Rice Garden as a "living research field" where multiple paddy varieties can be observed and evaluated simultaneously. He noted that BRRI has so far released 61 paddy varieties suitable for Boro cultivation, of which 54 are currently being exhibited in Dinajpur.
He added that analysing factors such as yield, crop duration, plant height, grain quality, and market value will help identify the most appropriate varieties for specific regions, contributing significantly to future agricultural research and development.
Officials believe the Rice Garden will play an important role in expanding the cultivation of high-yielding and locally adaptable paddy varieties in the Dinajpur region while strengthening farmers' knowledge and supporting the country's long-term food security goals.
