Poor monsoon rain has made the government think of a drought-tolerant rice seed for food-insecure Bangladesh. Photo: Star File PhotoThe government has taken initiative to bring a drought-tolerant rice seed, Nerica, from Uganda in the face of mounting threat to food security amid looming climate change.
"We have advanced much in developing saline-tolerant rice seed. But a lack of progress in developing drought-tolerant rice seed has led us to look for Nerica," Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury told The Daily Star recently.
Developed by scientists of West Africa Rice Development Association, Nerica is a cross between an African rice variety and a high-yielding Asian variety.
The seed features resistance to drought and pests, higher yields even with a little irrigation or fertiliser, and more protein content.
Agriculture officials said introduction of Nerica has increased rice production in Uganda and helped the landlocked East African country reduce its rice imports.
Scientists said Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) had earlier developed high-yield varieties of rice seeds -- BR-42 and BR-43 -- to help farmers grow 'broadcast Aus' during Aus season, which begins from April.
For another two big crops, Boro and Aman, there are no drought-tolerant rice seeds, said MA Salam, director (research) of BRRI.
"Our aim is to develop seeds for Aman and Aus crops to fight drought," he said.
The government initiative to bring in drought-resistant rice seeds comes at a time when poor monsoon rain threatens seasonal crop production in South Asian countries such as Bangladesh and India.
Bangladesh recorded 37 percent less rainfall in June.
Monsoon rainfall also remained low in the first 20 days of July putting farmers in the northern and central regions in trouble to transplant Aman crops and their green jute after a boom in production.
The situation however eased during the rest of the days of July due to excess rainfall.
Agriculture scientists have linked the rain shortfall to the impact of climate change, which has made the rainfall erratic and weather forecast unpredictable.
They said erratic rain and drought-like situation might occur in future and suggested developing stress-tolerant variety to fight the impact of climate change and ensure better crop in about 9 lakh hectares of drought-prone land in the north.
Officials said attempts were made earlier to develop drought-tolerant varieties for Aman, the second biggest crop. But success is not noteworthy till date, they added.
"We have sought Nerica from Uganda through International Rice Research Institute. Paddy from this seed grows well in Uganda," said MA Salam of BRRI.
BRRI officials said Nerica will be used on a trial basis in Bangladesh to check how it performs in local condition.
"They (Uganda authorities) have given us positive reply. We are hopeful to receive some seeds soon," said Salam.
He said the Ugandan seed would be put on trial in drought-prone areas such as Magura, Kushtia and Chuadanga during Aus season.
For Aman season, Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj areas will sow Nerica, said Salam.
sohel@thedailystar.net
