The production of cereal crops in Bangladesh has increased particularly rice. According to the UN report, paddy production was 109 lakh metric tons in 1971 and is expected to rise to 564.15 lakh metric tons by 2021. Bangladesh is currently ranked third in the world for rice production. In Bangladesh, germplasm from 8500 different rice varieties is preserved.
Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) developed 107 rice varieties, Bangladesh Atomic Agriculture Research Institute released 25 rice varieties, and Bangladesh Agricultural University produced three rice varieties. Aside from that, some universities and research institutes in Bangladesh have developed a number of new rice varieties. Bangladesh does, however, have some traditionally grown rice. In this article, we will discuss the popular and currently available rice in Bangladesh.
Rice has long been seen as a symbol of this country’s prosperity. Food security in Bangladesh mainly refers to the safety of paddy or rice. The following rice is produced satisfactorily in Bangladesh.
Amon Rice
Amon is the most popular rice variety in Bangladesh, regardless of region or production volume. It is also referred to as winter rice because it is planted between December and January. The floating variety, also known as Jali Dhan or Agrahayani Dhan, accounts for the majority of Aman rice grown in Bangladesh’s lowlands. All are highly photoperiod sensitive. It is grown almost anywhere in Bangladesh. There are approximately 2,000 cultivars in Bangladesh and over 6,000 throughout Asia.
Balam Rice
Greater Barisal was once known for its traditional thin balam rice. Since ancient times, Balam rice has been grown in the fertile southern region during the Ropa Aman season. However, this rice is almost extinct today. Instead of Balam rice, farmers are currently cultivating Shahi Balam of the BR-16 variety on a small plot of land. Aman Balam, a similar product to Balam, has recently become available in various shops.
BRRI Rice
The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) developed high-yielding hybrid rice known as BRRI rice. Initially, they were known as BR Rice. Now, BRRI has hundreds of rice categories, some of which are popular. For example, in the Amon season, BRRI Dhan 87, also known as Ropa Amon, is extremely popular.
This paddy yields white long, thin-grain rice. Furthermore, the drought-tolerant Aman (BRRI 71), whose rice is long and thick and white in color; the high-yielding Ropa Amon (BRRI 75), whose rice is medium coarse and white in color; and the tidal sal
Chinigura Rice
BRRI developed the BR 34 variety of rice. The rice harvested from this paddy is known as Chinigura Rice, which is also its commercial name. It is grown in the northern part of Bangladesh, including Naogaon. However, the quality of the invented rice is very close to that of the original traditional Chinigura rice. Chinigura is a small vegetable used in biryani and, on occasion, desserts.
Digha Rice
Digha Dhan, which is primarily grown in Harirampur and Manikganj, is water-friendly, which means it is unaffected by waterlogging or heavy rain. Boga Digha and Hijal Dhiga are particularly popular in Bangladesh’s flood-prone areas. Boga Digha rice grows in both rainwater and floodwater. Except for the cost of rice seed and land cultivation, there are no additional costs associated with cultivating Boga Digha rice.
Hori Rice
Haripad Kapali, a farmer from Jhenaidah Sadar Upazila, discovered Hori Rice, a new rice variety that increases yield. Which later became known as “Hari Dhan,” and cultivation began in various parts of the country. The yield is 800-880 kg per bigha, and the paddy bunches are strong and sturdy. However, the rice is thick but tasty.
Kalijira Rice
Kalijira rice is among the highest-quality rice produced in Bangladesh. This black rice, also known as small Basmati rice, is very tasty. It is cooked almost identically to basmati rice. This rice isn’t sticky. Kalijira rice is a geographically indicated product from Bangladesh. This rice is also used to make polao, and it is extremely fragrant. Kalijira is grown in Sherpur and is sometimes sold under the name Chinigura.
Tulsi Mala Rice
Tulshimala is a photosensitive Amon aromatic rice variety. The rice is fluffy and delicious, perfect for polao, biryani, khichuri, rice cake, fried rice, and other dishes. Tulshimala rice from Sherpur has a centuries-long reputation for prosperity. Recently, the Sherpur district branded it as fragrant rice Tulshimala. Although different types of aromatic rice are grown in different parts of the country, Sherpur’s Tulshimala rice is distinct in quality and aroma.
Katari Bhog
RiceKatari Bhog is a fragrant rice from Bangladesh. It is mostly found in the Dinajpur area. Katari Bhog of Dinajpur is a geographically indicated Bangladeshi product. This rice appears slim and tall. Its tip is slightly pointed and curved, like a knife. This type of rice is not grown in every region of Bangladesh. Only Fasilahat, Chhota Baul, Bara Baul, Karimulapur, Khanpur, Dinajpur’s Chirirbandar Upazila, Sadar Upazila, Kaugaon, Bishtapur, Talpukur, Mukundpur, Durgadanga, Viyail, Paschim Baul, and Kaharol upazilas grow this rice.
Bina Rice
It is a high-yielding, light-insensitive, short-duration (138-148 days) Boro rice variety of premium quality that appears extra tall and slim. This variety’s leaves are erect, narrow, and medium-dark green in colour. Even after the paddy has matured, the leaves remain dark green and straight. This type of paddy tree is tall, strong, and does not fall. It is grown in highland areas, including northern Bangladesh.
Miniket Rice
Although no rice is grown in the country called miniket, the Bangladeshi market is thriving with miniket. It’s primarily a marketing name. BRRI 28 and BRRI 29 are typically marketed under the Miniket name. In the northern part of the country, the majority of the rice called Miniket is made from Jirashail.
Furthermore, this rice is produced from rice varieties known as BRRI Dhan 52, Suballata, and Jira. Some people believe that miniket rice is made from two parboiled grains of any thin or narrow paddy.
Najir Shail Rice
The rice we buy in the market is not genuine Najir Shail rice. Because this rice is rarely grown, it is not available in the market. However, BRRI 29 rice is further trimmed and polished, earning the name ‘Nazir Shail.’ It’s also made with Katari and Jira rice.
Paijam Rice
Paijam rice is typically grown more during the Rupa Aman season. This rice is frequently produced in all districts to varying degrees. Paijam rice appears short and slim in size. It is derived from Aman rice. It has a variety of physical benefits, including diabetes control, antioxidant content, improved digestion, and more.
Kaun Rice
Kaun rice was the food of the poor. However, the price of the small grain crop is now beyond the reach of the poor. These days, Kaun is a fancy kind of rice. Unlike other wheat or rice, these grains don’t contain any sugar. Kaun rice is considered a superfood by nutritionists.
This rice is a very easy choice for those who are health conscious. Every village used to grow kaun rice. Typically, the country’s northern and southern regions are where it is grown. But as of right now, practically every district in North Bengal is growing it
Bangladesh is home to a diverse range of rice varieties. Each variety has distinct characteristics and is used for various purposes. Bangladesh has a diverse range of rice varieties to meet its people’s needs, including the aromatic Katari Bhog and the high-yielding BRRI varieties. The country has a long history of rice cultivation and is constantly working to produce new varieties to meet the needs of its people.
Source: United News of Bangladesh