Kaptai remote area farmers succeed in BRRI Dhan-102 cultivation

Farmers in a remote hill village of Kaptai upazila have achieved success in cultivating BRRI Dhan-102 paddy, marking a promising development for agriculture in the region.

During the Rabi 2025-2026 season, three local farmers-Sathoaiang Marma, Watching Marma, and Hlasau Marma-cultivated the BRRI Dhan-102 variety on two acres of land in Chakua Bara Para, Ward No-7 of Chitmarom union. 
 
The initiative was supported by the Kaptai Upazila Agricultural Extension Department as part of a demonstration program.
 
A recent visit to the area revealed vast stretches of lush green paddy fields, with ripening golden grains swaying in the breeze-an encouraging sight for both farmers and agricultural officials.
 
The farmers expressed satisfaction with the results, saying that yields have been good so far and are expected to surpass last year's production once harvesting begins in May.
 
"We received technical support from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and cultivated BRRI Dhan-102 on two acres of land. The crop condition is very good, and we are hopeful of a better yield this year," the farmers told BSS.
 
One of the farmers, Hla Sau Marma, highlighted the benefits of using the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation method, which significantly reduced production costs compared to conventional irrigation systems.
 
Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer Md. Masud confirmed that the cultivation was carried out using AWD technology and said the results have been encouraging. "The yield is quite satisfactory, and harvesting will begin in May," he said.
 
He added that the Department of Agricultural Extension is actively working to expand modern rice cultivation techniques in remote and hard-to-reach hill areas to boost food production and support local farmers.