Satkhira/Agriculture Desk: A silent revolution is unfolding in the coastal areas of Satkhira, where the cultivation of salt-tolerant rice varieties is changing the fate of thousands of farmers.
Over the last seven years, the land used for these resilient crops has jumped from 4,000 hectares to 20,000 hectares, bringing economic stability to a region once devastated by Cyclone Aila.
According to the Satkhira Department of Agricultural Extension, out of 82,700 hectares of total rice cultivation in the district, 20,000 hectares in Shyamnagar and Ashashuni upazilas are saline-prone.
Varieties such as BRRI-67, BRRI-97, BRRI-99, and BINA-10 have proven highly successful, with farmers reporting yields of over 20 maunds per bigha.
Local farmers shared that after the 2009 cyclone, salt intrusion made traditional farming nearly impossible, leading to severe financial crises.
However, the introduction of these new strains and innovative irrigation—including shallow wells for sweet water—has restored hope.
Agriculture officials noted that BINA-10, in particular, is showing exceptional results, ensuring food security and creating new employment opportunities for laborers in the coastal belt.