SILAPATHAR, Nov 18 � Bao paddy is generally grown in submerged areas that are unsuitable to other varieties of paddy. It is an indigenous paddy that produces red grains rich in iron, protein and anti- oxidants due to which it has gained popularity in the international market.
Dhemaji, being a flood-prone area, has a sizable area of land that remains submerged for seven to eight months a year. While no other crop grows in a submerged area, farmers have been traditionally cultivating bao dhaan in those areas.
Keeping in view the demand of this red kernel rice in the international market, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dhemaji, in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, organised a one-day awareness-cum-training programme on production and commercialization of bao paddy. The programme was held at the Public Auditorium here recently. A total of 113 bao growers were present in the programme which was sponsored by the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Guwahati under the Backward Region Grant Fund (BRGF) scheme.
The meeting started with the lighting of lamp. Dr Rijusmita Sarma Deka, Programme Coordinator, KVK, Dhemaji, highlighting the objectives of the meeting. Chief guest Monalisa Goswami, Deputy Commissioner of Dhemaji, also addressed the growers. She encouraged the farmers to produce more bao paddy in the district.
The technical part of the training was conducted by Dr KK Sharma, Chief Scientist, and Dr P Saikia, Principal Scientist, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lakhimpur. Dr KK Sharma discussed the �Speciality rice of Assam and its trade prospects� and �Pesticide pollution and its effects on humans, animals and environment.� Dr Prabal Saikia discussed the �Role of birds in agricultural ecosystem�.
The District Agriculture Officer, Dhemaji, and the Superintendent of Police, Moinul Islam Mandal were also present in the meeting. Subject matter specialists of the KVK, Dhemaji, Bibha Ozah (Soil Science), Dr AK Saikia (Animal Science), Binita Konwar (Horticulture), Monoranjan Gogoi (Home Science), Programme Assistant SK Sarma (Plant Protection), BN Phukan, Programme Assistant (Computers), were also present in the programme.
