By following a four-crop rotation, the farming picture of the northern highlands has changed. Thanks to a short-duration Aus rice, the joy of a new harvest has come during the flood and crop-free season, a good sign for farming across the country.

Floodwaters are only now receding in the north and centre. Many farmers in low-lying areas have lost crops and Aman seedbeds, and some are transplanting Aman seedlings in drained fields.

At this time, thousands of northern farmers have harvested Aus. On at least 8,000 hectares, golden ears of ripe rice are swaying, and farmers are satisfied that their days are changing.

Farmers say the cost of four crops on one bigha was about 14,070 taka, and they sold the produce for 29,030 taka. Two years ago they could not imagine this. After getting the short-duration Aus variety, the whole picture changed within two or three seasons.

Since 2008, research has been under way on Parija, a short-duration local Aus variety. Through Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), it reached local development organisations. Experts say the four-crop pattern should be included in national agricultural planning.

Dr M G Neogi, agricultural specialist and consultant with the World Bank in Bangladesh, said including it nationally could produce 1.8 million tonnes of extra food and ensure food security. Professor Dr Moinul Haque of BSMRAU's agronomy department said four crops are possible in other regions too, especially the west. People of the once monga-hit north are again dreaming of restoring their reputation as a granary.

Source: Shykh Seraj, Hridoye Mati O Manush. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.