The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has successfully rolled out drought-tolerant rice in India, the Philippines,and Nepal – it is now Bangladesh’s turn to benefit from an improved rice harvest even when water becomes scarce.
IRRI’s long-standing rice research project in Bangladesh, in cooperation with the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) as well as farmers on the ground, have developed two varieties of drought-resistant rice called “BRRI dhan56” and “BRRI dhan 57.” These types of rice can withstand dry weather conditions and take less time to mature than other rice varieties.
This is a critical development in a country like Bangladesh with its long history of droughts. As a result of the global change in weather patterns, Dr. Mohammed Zainul Abedin, IRRI’s representative in Bangladesh explains, “Climate change is likely to increase the occurrence of extreme weather events such as drought. Equipping Bangladeshi farmers with rice varieties that can tolerate dry conditions will be vital if we want to help people avoid poor harvests, which can increase the incidence of poverty.”
“BRRI dhan56, developed by IRRI, is the first drought-tolerant rice variety released in Bangladesh that can provide from 0.8 to 1.2 tons per hectare more yield than the presently cultivated varieties despite three weeks of no rain.”
Not only do these types of drought-resistant rice provide higher yields, IRRI has also confirmed that these rice varieties match local preferences and are resistant to the local blast fungal disease. As other drought-prone regions in Bangladesh begin to grow more rice, food security can be improved even during difficult times with erratic weather conditions.
For more information, read IRRI’s original media release.
Photo credit: IRRI