IRRI showcases improved rice varieties and training farmers on climate-smart agriculture

Bangladesh's haor region, responsible for 25% of the country's boro rice and 15% of annual rice production, is increasingly vulnerable to climate shocks,  old technologies and practices, and systemic gaps in the rice value chain.

The Climate-Smart Rice Value Chain (CS-RVC) Project, led by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and supported through HSBC's philanthropic funding, addresses these challenges by introducing innovative, scalable solutions tailored to the hair context and challenges. Friends in Village Development Bangladesh (FIVDB), a local NGO, is implementing the project on the ground.

To showcase these interventions, IRRI organized a Farmers' Field Day in Pachrukhi, Nikli, Kishoreganj on 22 April 2022, gathering over 157 farmers and more than 40 researchers, government officials, millers,  private sector officials, and other stakeholders. Participants firsthand observed and explored field-tested technologies and practices to build a more resilient, sustainable rice economy in the region.

"Bangladesh's food security depends heavily on the haor region's boro rice production, yet the farmers here are the most exposed to climate and market shocks," said Dr Humnath Bhandari, Country Representative, IRRI. "We're co-developing and scaling solutions with farmers to align research, community input, and institutional support for a truly resilient rice value chain."

Dr Rafiqul Islam, Director (Research), BRRI, added, "Haor is a highly productive area. It significantly impacts the country's food supply. We must collectively explore solutions with other organisations and farmers to strengthen irrigation, improve seed systems, and scale agricultural mechanisation."

Building on the call for integrated action across the sector, Dr Md. Sadikur Rahman, Deputy Director, DAE, Kishoreganj, acknowledged the role of collaboration, "Thanks to HSBC and IRRI for initiating this impactful project. As extension professionals, we are committed to helping farmers adopt new technologies and close the last-mile gap. DAE will scale the validated innovations."

"This climate-smart project has introduced new machines and better varieties. We are working to bring more improved seeds to the region to enhance resilience," AKM Moniruzzaman, Deputy Director (Seed Marketing), BADC, noted.

"At HSBC, we recognise the vital role of sustainable agriculture in ensuring food security and building resilient communities. As part of HSBC's philanthropic support for the agriculture sector, we are proud to contribute to the Climate-Smart Rice Value Chain Project. It's inspiring to witness how innovative practices showcased at the Farmers' Field Day in Haor empower farmers to adapt to climate change and enhance their livelihoods," said Syeda Afzalun Nessa, Head of Corporate Sustainability at HSBC Bangladesh.

Bazle Razee Mustafa, Executive Director of FIVDB, emphasized the region's vulnerability, "The hair region is mono-cropped and heavily climate-dependent. In 2017, massive floods devastated the area. This project emerged from the need to build long-term resilience for rice farmers in the Haor Region." The CS-RVC Project addresses core challenges such as lack of access to improved rice varieties, quality seeds, poor mechanization, post-harvest losses,  traditional crop management, and limited knowledge of innovations. It promotes enhanced rice varieties like BRRI dhan96 (short duration), 101 (slender grain), 104 (aromatic), and 105 (low glycemic) and introduces other technologies like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation, crop clinics, and mechanized tools. It trains farmers on the use of innovations.

Field discussions revealed that farmers preferred BRRI dhan96 over older varieties like BRRI dhan28 and 29 due to their early maturity and pest resistance. Farmer Khairul Islam shared, "This is the first time we are trying AWD. It helps us save electricity and reduce labour costs. We need more training and access to harvester machines."

The project also established community seed banks, allowing farmers to save quality seeds that are available on time and reduce input costs. Farmers expressed enthusiasm for maintaining their seed systems, contributing to biodiversity and long-term sustainability.
IRRI's Assistant Manager (PCI), Rehana Noor, emphasized the project's integrated and whole-system approach to overcoming critical gaps in the hair rice value chain. She noted that interventions such as crop cafeterias for variety trials, seed banks for enhanced seed access, educational crop clinics, and mechanization initiatives are tailored to farmers' needs. "By combining innovation with grassroots engagement, we aim to improve productivity, enhance climate resilience, reduce costs, and foster local entrepreneurship across the value chain," she said.

The CS-RVC project runs from 2024 to 2027 in five upazilas of Kishoreganj and Sunamganj Districts. It aims to benefit over 10,000 farmers. IRRI and partners will continue engaging with local communities to expand adoption and scale successful innovations.