New Aman Variety-103 in Manikganj's Daulatpur Yields 6.305 Tonnes Per Hectare

An encouraging yield has been found in a demonstration plot of the new Aman rice variety-103 in Daulatpur, Manikganj. A sample crop cut from just 20 square metres produced 12.61 kilograms of paddy, which puts the potential yield at 6.305 tonnes per hectare.

The sample crop cutting was carried out in the demonstration plot under the Dhaka region agricultural development project, as part of the regular activities of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Daulatpur.

On Friday, the activity was conducted in a demonstration plot set up on 33 decimals of land belonging to farmer Md Hafizur Rahman in the Mandarata block of Shyampur village in Chak Mirpur Union of the upazila.

The paddy from 20 square metres was cut, threshed and weighed at 12.61 kilograms. On that basis, the potential production stands at 6,305 kilograms, or 6.305 tonnes, per hectare.

Farmer Md Hafizur Rahman said he cultivated the new variety with the advice and support of the agriculture department. The growth of the rice and the condition of the panicles in the field were good, and the yield found after the sample cutting has made him hopeful. He believes farmers can get good yields from such varieties if they cultivate and tend them properly.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Lutfe Al Muiz said demonstration plots are being set up at field level to spread improved rice varieties and modern cultivation methods among farmers. Through these demonstrations, farmers can see the yield and potential of new varieties with their own eyes, which will increase their interest in cultivating improved varieties. Advice is also being given to farmers considering the local environment and land suitability, he said.

Agriculture officials believe that, given population growth and limited cultivable land, the use of improved varieties and the expansion of modern agricultural technology are important for increasing food production. Results from field-level demonstration plots can play an effective role in showing farmers the potential of new varieties.

Officials and employees of the agriculture department and local farmers were present at the sample crop cutting programme.