Rajshahi: Two drought-tolerant rice varieties -- BINA-19 and BINA-21 -- developed by the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) have opened up new opportunities for farmers in the drought-prone Barind region of Rajshahi.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, these rice varieties, which require less water and have lower cultivation costs, are becoming increasingly popular among local farmers. Their widespread adoption is significantly reducing the pressure on underground water resources in the region. Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) are encouraging farmers to grow these water-efficient varieties to mitigate the acute water crisis currently affecting the Barind region.
"These rice varieties are showing promising results in Barind. They are not only drought and disease-resistant, but also cost-effective, making them an ideal choice for this climate-challenged area," said DAE Deputy Director Dr Yeasin Ali. Farmers in the region are also sharing positive feedback. Abdul Karim, a farmer from Gomostapur upazila, noted that he harvested 120 mounds of rice from five bighas of land using BINA-25 and BINA-26, which require less irrigation and offer better disease resistance.
BINA Scientific Officer Dr Azadul Haque mentioned that other drought-tolerant varieties like BINA-17, 18, and 25 are also being promoted in the region. These varieties do not require irrigation after seedling transplantation, with yields reported between 20 to 25 mounds per bigha. Farmers are increasingly adopting these varieties, which are helping them cope with the impacts of climate change.
The Barind region faces extreme climatic conditions, with high temperatures, erratic rainfall, and poor soil moisture, leading to water scarcity, especially during the dry season. Professor Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan from Rajshahi University emphasized the region's vulnerability to climate change and the need for comprehensive measures to address these challenges.
DAE Additional Director Dr Azizur Rahman highlighted that BINA rice cultivation is part of a broader initiative to promote climate-smart agriculture. Techniques such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) are being encouraged to conserve water and enhance yields. Efforts are also underway to improve surface water availability through the re-excavation of ponds and canals.
With ongoing promotion of drought-tolerant rice varieties and improved water management strategies, officials aim to transform agriculture in the Barind region into a more resilient and sustainable system, ensuring long-term food security.