By Biswajit Mondal from Shyamnagar, Satkhira
A farmer-led field day on local rice variety research was held yesterday at Middle Kaikhali village under Kaikhali Union of Shyamnagar upazila. The event was jointly organized by BARCIK and the Middle Kaikhali IPM Agriculture Club.
The field day showcased research on 162 local Aman rice varieties. Farmers, agricultural researchers, Green Coalition representatives, youth, teachers, journalists, local government officials, and BARCIK staff participated in the event.
Shyamnagar Green Coalition President Krishnendu Mukherjee presided over the program. Upazila Agriculture Officer Nazmul Huda attended as the chief guest, while Union Chairman Sheikh Abdur Rahim and BARCIK management member Ranjit Barman were special guests.
The guests of the event said that salinity, waterlogging, and frequent natural disasters have made rice cultivation increasingly challenging in coastal areas. Once rich in diverse local rice varieties, the region is now heavily dependent on hybrid and high-yielding varieties, placing many traditional varieties at risk of extinction. They emphasized the need for coordinated government and non-government initiatives to conserve indigenous seeds for climate-resilient and food-secure agriculture.
During the field visit, farmers evaluated rice plots based on salinity tolerance, waterlogging resistance, low fertilizer demand, pest resistance, grain quality, and aroma. Popular selected varieties included Arman, Swarnamashuri, Narkel Muchi, Chinikanai, Darshail, Talmugur, Sitabhog, and Patnai.
