Haripada Kapali, the inventor of improved paddy variety named ‘Haridhan’ died at his home at Ahsannagar village in Sadhuhati union of Jhenaidah Sadar upazila early Wednesday. He was 95, said family sources.

Sadhuhati Union Parishad Chairman Kazi Nazir Uddin said, Kapali was a noble farmer and devoted his life for the wellbeing of the farmers’ community. The funeral of Kapali was scheduled at Badarganj Mahashwashan yesterday afternoon, the UP chairman added.

Scientists of Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI), Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and a number of national and international agriculturists and scientists visited plots of Haripada Kapali and appreciated the invention of Haridhan, an improved variety of paddy.

Many scientists said the Haridhan might play a significant role in increasing rice production if the variety was distributed and made popular throughout the country. Later, many organisations recognised the Haridhan as an improved variety of paddy and awarded Haripada.

Rupkumar Kapali, the adopted son of Haripada, said, his father was interested in inventing an improved variety of paddy when he was working at his paddy plot in 1999.