Haripada Kapali: The farmer with no formal education, invented a rice variety

Almost two decades ago, in 2005, an ordinary farmer in Jhenaidah suddenly became popular throughout Bangladesh. What was so special about him? 

Turns out he invented a new rice variety all by himself, not only without prior knowledge of agricultural research but also without any formal education. His name is Haripada Kapali, who invented 'Haridhan' and revolutionised the local agriculture scenario.

For many decades, Haripada worked in his field as a humble rice farmer. One day, he saw in his paddy field that a group of rice on one of his plants looked different. To satisfy his curiosity, he cultivated that particular plant separately. 

After a year, he sowed a small area with paddy from that plant and planted that sapling. After the harvest, he saw that it yielded more than the BR-11 rice he cultivated on his land. Although none paid attention to his discovery, he thought to cultivate only that new paddy in his land next time.

Proceeding with his plan, Haripada got higher-yielding rice than BR-11 or Shorna. The yield of BR-11 is 18 to a maximum of 20 maunds per bushel. But his new paddy yield exceeded 22 maunds and even required less fertiliser. 

One needs a special observation skill to separate the rice plants in the field. Not everyone has it; only scientists do. After that, Haripada attempted something new in the field of agriculture. To do that, he tested his seeds in a small area. After the seeds passed his test, he planted them in his field. That's how his new variety of rice, Haridhan, was born.

Haripada was also a selfless farmer-scientist. His new rice variety caught the attention of the farmers in his village and other areas. But Haripada did not think of selling his rice seeds. He gave away his rice seeds to anyone who asked for them. 

In this way, the 'Gift of Hari' spread from Jhenaidah to the surrounding districts. Eventually, the name of this rice was changed from 'Harir Dhan' to 'Haridhan'.

Rumours didn't leave Haripada, though, as many said that Haridhan is actually no different from BR-11 or Shorna. Soon, a research team at the University of Dhaka under Professor Zeba Islam Seraj ran experiments using Shorna and Haridhan to compare their differences. Their study debunks the rumour, as Haripada's rice totally differed from the Shorna variety. 

Haridhan was created through the natural hybridisation of rice with some other rice that changed over a few generations. Haridhan reminds us that the creation of thousands of rice varieties came through our farmers' hands. Even Haripada said, "Keep your eyes and ears open. Nature will give you the solution to your problems".

 Haripada's story reveals that formal education isn't the only path to significant discoveries. Passion, persistence, and hands-on experience can lead to groundbreaking innovations. His story inspires all, highlighting that anyone with determination and a thirst for knowledge can contribute significantly to society.

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