Farida Yasmin, deputy commissioner of Sherpur, on Friday visited the home of grassroots innovator Sentu Chandra Hajong, who has spent 21 years researching and developing new rice varieties in Nalitabari upazila.
The deputy commissioner travelled to Chatkia village in Nayabil union of the upazila to meet the farmer, where she enquired about his initiatives, practical experiences, and contributions to agriculture.
Md Abdul Malek, upazila nirbahi officer of Nalitabari, alongside administration officials and local residents, was also present during the visit.
On 10 October, a TIMES report titled “A farmer’s 21-year experiment with rice” was published on the front page and online edition, which drew the attention of the district administration.
Patronage for grassroots innovators
“We are committed to encouraging the talents and innovative initiatives spread across the grassroots level in Sherpur,” Farida said.
“We want to contribute to the district’s socio-economic development and the progress of agriculture by highlighting these initiatives on a larger scale. Agriculture in Sherpur will become richer through innovators like Sentu Kumar Hajong. We also hope that the country’s agricultural potential will flourish.”
Farida added, “Sentu Kumar Hajong’s journey proves that limited institutional education or formal training is not the ultimate limit of human potential. Outstanding success is achievable through talent, labour, perseverance, and relentless effort.
“Such silent heroes of society and grassroots innovators are our true assets. Providing proper patronage to their innovative thinking, dedication, and creativity will open up new possibilities for the country’s development in various sectors, including agriculture.”
21 years of research on 12-katha plot
Sentu Chandra Hajong, aged 55, lives in a dilapidated house in a remote area and works without a laboratory, modern equipment, or support from major institutions.
Turning his own 12-katha plot of land into a research ground, he has continued his endeavours to develop new rice varieties.
Through 21 years of dedication, he has innovated 25 new rice varieties so far, while the development process for more than 200 additional varieties is currently underway.
Hundreds of local farmers are benefiting from cultivating the varieties he developed, and demand for them is rising in the market. Although the local agriculture department is aware of his long-standing research, he has not yet received any national recognition.
