In the haor regions of Sunamganj, some local farmers persist in cultivating traditional rice varieties—including Rata, Tepi, Khoiya, and Birun rice—for their family consumption, even as the cultivation of high-yield hybrid rice dominates the landscape. Starting from April 3, farmers in these areas initiated the cutting of paddy from the local, time-honored strains, while more mechanized and large-scale harvesting of hybrid rice has also begun in other parts of the region.
Early Harvests Reflect Diverse Cultivation Practices
Farmers dedicated to growing traditional varieties value the taste and nutritional quality of these local strains despite their relatively lower yield. According to the report, local varieties typically produce about 7 to 8 man of rice per kayar—a unit of land area where three kayars are equivalent to one acre. In contrast, the cultivation of hybrid and high-yield varieties can generate yields of 20 to 25 man per kayar. As a result, with an eye on higher productivity, the acreage dedicated to these local varieties has diminished, though many farmers continue their practice to ensure that their families have access to the flavorful, traditional rice they cherish.
Harvesting of these traditional strains resumed on April 4, marking a second wave of cutting that reflects a dual harvesting calendar—one that caters both to market demands for high-yield rice and to household needs for traditional rice.
Observations from the Field
On April 5, observers reported that in the haor areas of Sunamganj Sadar and Shantiganj upazilas, as well as in Shonir Haor of Tahirpur, rice cutting had commenced with a mix of manual labor and machine assistance. Enthusiasm was particularly high among farmers who had managed to harvest early maturing varieties just before the Bengali New Year (Boishakh). One such instance was noted in the Sadar area, where early cutting gave farmers hope that this season’s crop would contribute both to market supply and home consumption.
Official Statistics and Future Projections
According to data released by the Directorate of Agricultural Extension, this year aman (boro) rice cultivation covers an expansive 223,502 hectares. The production target set from this area is 918,000 metric tons of rice. Within this large-scale cultivation, high-yield hybrid rice is grown on 67,550 hectares, high-yield varieties on 154,973 hectares, while traditional local varieties occupy a mere 979 hectares. In percentage terms, only about 10.4% of the total cultivated area is allocated to local rice varieties.
In Sunamganj, until the Saturday following the initial harvests, about 40 bigha of local variety paddy—which, by local conversion, is equivalent to 40 bigha (or 1,320 decimals, given that 1 bigha = 33 decimals) and corresponds to approximately 5 hectares—had been harvested. Authorities have issued directives that rice in the haor areas should be completely cut between May 5 and May 25, with mechanized cutting commencing in all haor areas from April 15.
Voices from the Field: Farmer Perspectives
Local farmers have provided detailed insights into the cultivation and harvest processes, emphasizing both the challenges and benefits of growing traditional rice. In Tahirpur’s Shonir Haor, farmer Abdul Baten reported that he has experimented with cultivating various rice varieties on nearly 25 bigha of land. Notably, he allocated 2 bigha for the BRAC 777 variety, which has already matured while other types are still in the growing stage. Abdul Baten noted,
“The paddy obtained in mid-Chaitra is very useful. We harvested the 2 bigha of this variety using a harvester, and I have been cultivating it for the past four years for its early yield.”
Similarly, another farmer from the same area, Mo. Saju Mia, stated that the early maturing varieties have now reached the stage of cutting. “With much enthusiasm, we have started mechanical cutting even before Boishakh,” he said, reflecting the optimism among those who depend on these traditional strains.
In Madhanagar upazila’s South Bongsikunda Union, local resident and farmer Nazrul Islam observed that while the cutting of early maturing varieties is underway, a large portion of the paddy remains unharvested. “The fields planted with early varieties are being harvested, but many of the other crops are still in their green state,” he remarked, indicating that the progress is uneven across the region.
Challenges Amid Weather and Pest Infestation
In addition to the varied maturation rates of the rice strains, farmers in Shantiganj have also reported that pest infestations—particularly in the aman crop—have adversely affected yields. Some farmers attributed the reduced yield, which in some cases has dropped from the expected 17–18 man per kayar to only 11–13 man, to irregular water supply and untimely rainfall. Saiful Islam from Sadarpur elaborated:
“Due to delayed irrigation and irregular rainfall, pest infestations have compromised the yield in certain fields. However, the early harvesting of the 95 variety on the 19th of Chaitra has helped us avoid damage from the onset of monsoon disturbances.”
Saiful Islam further explained that while the 95 variety was cultivated over 7 kayars, other fields featured the 96/88 variety and the Isfahani – 6 variety. With favorable weather, he expressed optimism that the yields could improve.
In Parbatipur, farmer Shahab Uddin, who has been growing the Souravi-1 variety on 2 kayars, reported that the yield has been good. He anticipates that his fields will be completely harvested within two to three days, highlighting the efficiency brought by mechanized harvesters.
Coordinated Harvesting and Future Outlook
Farmer Fakhrul Islam Fahim from Sadarpur expressed satisfaction with the current weather, noting that the favorable conditions have allowed for smooth operations in harvesting, threshing, and drying the rice. This coordinated effort will soon enable the efficient transfer of rice for further processing.
Another large-scale farmer, Chattar Mia from Rajapur in Diraia upazila, shared his experience of cultivating approximately 48 acres of land. He advised that farmers cultivating hybrid and high-yield varieties must reserve at least 50 man of rice for their family consumption. “Those who have ensured this reserve will have their rice harvested and brought home within a couple of days,” he asserted, underlining the balance between commercial production and domestic needs.
Preserving Heritage Amid Fields of Change
The diverse strategies employed by farmers in the haor areas of Sunamganj underscore the dynamic nature of rice cultivation in Bangladesh. While the majority of cultivation has shifted towards high-yield hybrids to meet market demands, the continued effort to grow traditional varieties highlights an enduring commitment to food security and cultural preferences. With official directives and a well-coordinated harvesting schedule in place, the region looks set to complete the cutting of both traditional and hybrid rice varieties in the coming weeks, ensuring that both commercial and household needs are met efficiently.
Through detailed observations and firsthand accounts, the agricultural community is navigating challenges from pest infestations to erratic weather, all while preserving the legacy of traditional rice cultivation—a practice that remains essential for the sustenance of local families.
