Dinajpur: Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) has achieved a significant breakthrough in agricultural innovation by developing a chemical and pesticide-free variety of rice. This pioneering effort aims to boost rice production in the country while reducing reliance on harmful chemicals.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a research team led by Associate Professor Dr. Azizul Haque from the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department at HSTU spearheaded the development of the innovative rice variety. The team focused their research on six varieties of rice, including Bri-28, Bri-29, Bri-92, Bri-34, and Jirashail, with the goal of increasing yields by minimizing the use of chemicals and pesticides through the application of plant endophytic bacteria.
Traditionally, the Bri-28 (Boro) and Bri-34 (Amon) rice varieties have been prone to blast and other diseases, requiring the application of pesticides up to six times, even as late as 15 days before harvest. This practice not only reduces rice production by 20 to 30 percent but also disrupts nutrient fortification and increases production costs significantly due to the use of urea fertilizer, further impacting the country's economy.
To address these challenges, researchers have begun cultivating rice with biofertilizers, significantly reducing the use of urea and chemical pesticides. Endophytic bacteria, which enhance plant growth, collect additional atmospheric nitrogen, and stabilize nitrogen through fixation, have been instrumental in this process. The application of this bacteria mixture has increased Bri-28 rice yields by approximately 50 to 55 percent, while also enhancing the strength and health of rice straw.
Field trials with farmers demonstrated that by reducing urea fertilizer by 50 percent and applying pesticides only once during the first month of rice planting, production increased by 50 to 55 percent. Lead researcher Dr. Azizul Haque highlighted three main goals: reducing chemical and pesticide dependence, increasing yield, and improving rice quality. The results showed a 25 to 30 percent yield increase for the Bri-34 variety, improved rice quality, and reduced pest infestation.
The research team also developed new techniques and technologies for producing the bacteria used in the biofertilizer, simplifying large-scale application. Under Dr. Azizul's guidance, mechanical engineering students Tanvir, Shahriar, Mehedi, and Rokon contributed to the research, enabling farmers to produce the bacteria cost-effectively at home.
Financial support from the University's Institute of Research and Training (IRT) facilitated the research, with IRT Director Professor Dr. S. M. Harun-ur-Rashid, Agriculture Faculty Dean Professor Dr. Bidhan Chandra Halder, Associate Researcher Dr. Yasin Pradhan, and Professor Dr. Shah Moinur Rahman conducting direct field visits. They observed significantly higher yields on fields utilizing the bacteria compared to those using conventional fertilizers and pesticides, with positive feedback from farmers indicating growing interest in adopting this innovative cultivation method next year.