Rangpur: Experts have suggested adopting alternative drying and wetting (AWD) irrigation technology during Boro rice cultivation to save at least 30 percent of irrigation water and reduce pressure on groundwater. The future of agriculture and national and global food security depend on availability of water amid a formidable threat of climate change.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the lifting of underground water must be minimized to ensure food production continues to meet the demands of the increasing population. Dr. Md Abdul Mazid, a rice scientist and recipient of the Independence Award 2018 Medal for food security, highlighted the effectiveness of large-scale adoption of the AWD technology in coping with irrigation water scarcity.
The AWD technology can significantly reduce irrigation needs, saving 30 percent of underground water and 30 liters of diesel and electricity per hectare, while producing an additional 500 kg of Boro rice. Dr. Mazid, also a former Chief Scientific Officer of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), noted that farmers have started reaping the benefits of AWD through dissemination by agriculture-related organizations. If applied to 50-lakh hectares, the method could yield an additional 25 lakh tonnes of paddy annually, saving Taka 1,000 crore in diesel and electricity costs.
Dr. Mazid explained that traditional methods require 3,000 to 4,000 liters of water per kg of Boro rice, whereas AWD cuts this to 1,500 to 2,000 liters. The technology involves using a simple setup of PVC pipes or hollow bamboo to monitor soil moisture, optimizing irrigation times.
Agriculturist Md Afzal Hossain, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) for Rangpur region, reported increased popularity of AWD in all five districts of the region, with 1,01,811 hectares of land being adapted for AWD this season.
Md Mamunur Rashid, PhD Fellow at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, emphasized the necessity of AWD amid climate changes. Rashid noted that farmers benefit from reduced irrigation frequencies, improved water use efficiency, and increased rice yield, all while using less diesel and electricity.