Given the erratic pattern of rainfall and flooding in recent times, development of short-duration crops holds one of the keys to future food security in Bangladesh.
Scientists of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) have done a commendable job in this respect as their new invention, BINA Dhan 16 – a short-duration rice variety developed using nuclear technology – has passed a successful trial in two low-lying sourthern districts this Aman season.
The variety can be harvested in just 100 days after the planting.
In contrast, it takes about 130 days and above to harvest the conventional high yielding varieties.
The variety was put to the trial in 75 plots in Gopalganj and Faridpur districts.
Farmers who took part in the trial with their land and labour had exceptionally high average yield – 5.97 tons a hectare, according to officials of BINA’s Gopalganj sub-station.
Monjur Hossain Sheikh, a farmer from Shamspur village of Kashiani upazila, told the Dhaka Tribune that it was the first time the variety was put to the test in his area and the plants gave higher yield compared to the conventional varieties.
“The grains are smaller in size and the cooked rice tastes good,” said Monjur.
The officials also noted that cultivation of BINA Dhan 16 saves time and leaves scope for the farmer to cultivate three crops round-the-year, if the climatic conditions are well.
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