Researchers identify high-yield rice varieties

Researchers have identified rice varieties with the best yields for both aman and boro seasons after rigorous on-farm trials, said a press release by International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) yesterday.

BRRI dhan88, BRRI dhan96 and BRRI dhan92 give the best yields in the boro season, according to research by Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and the IRRI.

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Besides, the two rice varieties, including BRRI dhan79, can perform well in a flash flood-prone environment in aman season, said the IRRI after findings of the research were revealed in a workshop jointly organised by the BRRI and the IRRI in Gazipur.

Once disseminated for cultivation, these varieties are expected to help increase rice farmers' yields and profit, said the IRRI.

Besides, three varieties, 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 all over the country, it said.

These rice varieties were identified after researchers conducted several "head to head adaptive trials (HHATs)" for three years in different locations across the country 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, the IRRI said. The research also identifies promising varieties and how they adapt to the various target environments.

During these trials, researchers collect feedback about the varieties from farmers and agricultural extension personnel.

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 IRRI said.

"Such on-farm trials allow us to know how the previous varieties are performing compared to the newer ones. Currently, rice varieties are being developed keeping in mind the regions where they are grown," said Swati Nayak, IRRI scientist and South Asia Lead - seed system and product management, presenting the results of the trials.

"Our study shows if the newer varieties are up to the mark or whether it needs further development for the betterment of the farmers and the country," said Nayak.

Md Shahjahan Kabir, director general of the BRRI, said "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 a better livelihood," he said.