Oldest rice research station of eastern India in Karimganj observes Farmers’ Day

November 27: Probably many in Barak Valley are unaware of the fact that the Regional Agricultural Research Station of Assam Agricultural University (AAU) at Akbarpur in Karimganj, the oldest rice research station of eastern India. But this is indeed a fact. At present, the Regional Agricultural Research Station of AAU preserves more than 3,583 rice germplasms of India and abroad as a gene bank of rice. Established in 1913, the first rice germplasm – KMZ 1 – was developed by renowned agronomist Nalini Ranjan Roy in 1967.

Assam Agricultural University at Akbarpur in Karimganj observed the Farmers’ Day on Tuesday. In this connection, a field exhibition and stall exhibition was also organised, which were inaugurated by Dr. Atul Bargohain, Associate Director of Extension Education (Veterinary) of Assam Agricultural University and by North Karimganj MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purakayastha respectively.

Around 1000 farmers from the three districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi participated at the event, which was also attended by Dr. Mrinal Saikia, Associate Director of Research (Agriculture) of Assam Agricultural University, Manabendra Dev Ray, superintendant of police of Karimganj, R.K. Laskar, district development commissioner, Karimganj, J.P. Matahni, Commandant, 7 Bn of BSF, and district agricultural officers of the 3 districts of the valley.