Researchers identify high-yielding rice varieties

By Dhaka Mirror : dhakamirror.com
Researchers have identified rice varieties with the best yield performance for both Aman (wet) and Boro (dry) seasons after rigorous on-farm trials on different varieties.
The findings of the research were disseminated in a workshop jointly organised by the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) on 21 April 2022, in Gazipur, said a press release.
Once disseminated for cultivation, these varieties are expected to help increase rice farmers’ yields and profit, said the IRRI.
Bangladesh is currently the third largest rice producer in the world. Rice cultivation in the country is divided into three seasons- Aus, Aman and Boro.
Researchers found that rice varieties called BRRI dhan88, BRRI dhan96 and BRRI dhan92 give best yield in the Boro season. For the T Aman season, the IR13F441 line and BRRI dhan79 can perform well in a flash flood-prone environment, according to the release.
Additionally, BRRI dhan93, BRRI dhan94, and BRRI dhan95 are highly preferable in the northern part of Bangladesh as an alternative to the Indian rice variety Swarna. BRRI dhan87 had the best yield performance all over the country.
The findings of the research were revealed at a workshop jointly organised by the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) on April 21 in Gazipur.
These rice varieties were identified after researchers conducted several Head to Head Adaptive Trials (HHATs) for three years in different locations across the country.
They conducted HHATs to investigate the performance of newly released varieties compared to popular old mega varieties through generating sufficient quantitative data. During these trials, newly-developed varieties, benchmark varieties, and farmer-grown varieties are planted together in one plot to compare their performance closely.
Bangladesh is currently the third-largest producer of rice in the world. Rice cultivation in the country is divided into three seasons, Aus, Aman, and Boro.
The research also identifies promising varieties and how they adapt in the various target environments. During these trials, researchers collect feedback about the varieties from farmers and extension personnel.
These trials also generate curiosity, knowledge, and demand for new and better-performing varieties through the demonstrated impacts in the field, said the release.
The findings also showed that BRRI dhan28 gave the lowest yield, having the highest pest incidence which should be replaced immediately.
Meanwhile, BRRI dhan29 produced a competitive yield along with BRRI dhan89, however, it was infected by neck blast disease in some locations.
The findings of the BRRI part were presented by Md Humayun Kabir chief scientific officer and Head Adaptive Research Division (ARD), BRRI while Swati Nayak, scientist & South Asia lead of Seed System and Product Management of IRRI presented the results of the trials from their end.
‘Developing better rice varieties that are more adaptive to specific environments is important in ensuring that we can increase the production of rice in the country. The next step is making these varieties accessible to farmers across the country to help improve their yield and profit, helping them gain better livelihood,’ said BRRI director general Md Shahjahan Kabir while addressing the event as the chief guest.
BRRI director research Mohammad Khalequzzaman chaired the workshop while Md Abu Bakr Siddique, director (Administration & Common Service) of BRRI, and Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, project lead of IRRI were present at the event as special guests.