Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB)

Dhaka, Bangladesh

An Overview Of Our Solution

Bangladesh is famous for its rice heritage and wide diversity. Presently about one fifth of rice growing areas of the country is cultivated by local varieties. However, the importance of local rice varieties has not been assessed from the perspective of sustainable agriculture including climate readiness. CCDB, a development organization working in Bangladesh since 1973 has been conducting adaptive research on the suitability of indigenous rice varieties in drought prone High Barind Tract (HBT) of Bangladesh. Trial results suggests that indigenous Aus rice might be a good option for the farmers in HBT. Moving towards cultivating rain-fed Aus rice from irrigation-intensive Boro could be a great solution in this regard. This adaptive research has identified four indigenous rice varieties suitable for local context.

Who is this solution impacting?

Community Type

Rural

Organization type

À but non lucratif

Ecosystem (select all that apply)

Forests

Grasslands

Population impacted

30000000

Size of agricultural area

777000 hectares

Production quantity

not known

People employed

not known

Describe your solution

Boro is the major rice producing season in Bangladesh but it is grown in dry season and requires huge water. Promotion of Boro rice in northern Bangladesh has become concern for the policy makers for environmental concerns. Government of Bangladesh has been trying to reduce the cultivation of extensive irrigation-dependent Boro. Agriculture Minister has repeatedly been taking different initiatives including incentive packages to promote Aus cultivation among the farmers for the last couple of years. The package includes seeds, fertilizers and cash assistance. Indigenous varieties of rain-fed Aus may work as a natural remedy to check the drastic depletion of groundwater table in drought-prone areas of northwestern Bangladesh. Local Aus does not need irrigation and are capable to survive in drought condition. Indigenous Aus varieties like Bhaira, Kalomanik, Songkorboti, and Kalchina can produce more yield compared to HYVs in drought condition. Local varieties Bharira, Kalomanik and Songkorboti can produce 4.10 tons of paddy per hectare. Findings from the adaptive research show that now we can easily turn to Aus from Boro to avoid the excessive water consumption from groundwater table.

Describe your implementation

A total of ten rice varieties were tested at Saroil village, Godagari, Rajshahi, at farmer’s field (AEZ 26) during Kharif-1 season, 2016. Of which seven were local and remaining three were modern varieties used as check. The local varieties were Vhaira, Kalchina, Sankarboti, Patharkuchi, Kalomanik, Bulonshaitta, Shani and three check varieties were BRRI dhan26, BRRI dhan48, BRRI dhan55. The trial was conducted in Randomized CompleteBlock Design (RCBD) with three replications. The unit plot size was 4mx5m.The land was prepared for previous crop by power tiller. Then organic manure @ 3.5 t haˉ¹ was applied. The land was fertilized with 196/2-100- 70-110-6 kg in the form of urea, triple super phosphate, murate of potash, gypsum and zinc-sulphate respectively at the time of final land preparation. Seed was sown 30 cm distance from line to line following direct method on 10.04.2016. All the intercultural operations were done in time. To identify any change in characters and attack of pests and disease the crop plots were frequently observed. Harvesting was done when 80% of the plants turned to maturity depending on the variety performance. Field data were calculated and yield in ton/ha and BCR were calculated. Field day was organized to evaluate the performance of varieties. Government officials from agriculture department, agriculture scientists and local farmers evaluated the varieties. On a later stage research results were shared in a national seminar and has attracted attention of the policy makers as well. A national daily published from Dhaka made it its headline news (http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2016/10/08/indigenous-aush-varieties-now-top-priority/),

External connections

Barand Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA), Rajshahi Department of Agricultural Extension, Godagari, Rajshahi PROVA, Rajshahi Local Farmers in Saroil, Godagari, Rajshahi

What is the environmental or ecological challenge you are targeting with your solution?

The High Barind Tract situated at the north-west of Bangladesh is different from other parts of country due to undulating topography having compact low fertile soil. The region is characterized by high temperature, limited soil moisture with low and erratic rainfall. Moisture holding capacity of soil is poor due to low organic matter content and low infiltration of water. Land degradation and drought have slow moving but far reaching negative impacts on our agricultural production system. Among many environmental issues that Bangladesh faces today, land degradation due to aridity and droughts has resulted in considerable economic loss and human sufferings. Particularly in north western part groundwater is extracted for irrigation which already has negative consequences on the environment. Agricultural practices in this area is also highly water consuming. Change in agricultural practices can save water as well as bring sustainability.

Describe the context in which you are operating

On farm field trials were conducted at Saroil, Godagari, Rajshahi. This location is representative of the drought prone area located in the High Barind Tract (northwestern Bangladesh). Local farmers are involved in the process. A total of ten rice varieties were tested at Saroil village, Godagari, Rajshahi, at farmer’s field (AEZ 26) during Kharif-1 season, 2016. Of which seven were local and remaining three were modern varieties used as check. The local varieties were Vhaira, Kalchina, Sankarboti, Patharkuchi, Kalomanik, Bulonshaitta, Shani and three check varieties were BRRI dhan26, BRRI dhan48, BRRI dhan55. The trial was conducted in Randomized CompleteBlock Design (RCBD) with three replications.

How did you impact natural resource use and greenhouse gas emissions?

Research results has been considered by Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) and has been presented in the First Barind Agro-Eco Innovation Research Platform Conference held on 29 January 2017. Department of Agricultural Extension is considering recommendation of local varieties identified through adaptive research in their new strategic plan. How did you improve biodiversity and/or positively impact the local environment? Please be specific and include methodology where relevant (1000 characters max.)

Language(s)

Bengali

Water

Water conservation is the main concern for agriculture in the drought prone High Barind Tract.

Food Security/Nutrition

Avoiding Boro rice in dry season will create scope for cultivation of oil seeds and pulses thus will improve food security and nutrition.

Economic/Sustainable Development

Aus rice based cropping patter is economically profitable as well as sustainable

Climate

Selection of appropriate rice varieties is a technical option for adaptation to climate change effects.

Sustainability

Local varieties have shorter life cycle compared to HYV varieties found. Yield of rice was found highest 4.10 ton/ha in Vhaira, Kalomanik, Sankarboti and lowest 1.20 ton/ha in Patharkuchi but Patharkuchi gives the highest straw yield 4.10 kg/m2.

Return on investment

Net return was higher for local varieties (62,625 taka/ha for Vhaira, Kalomanik, Sankarboti) compared to HYV (10,125 for BRRI dhan48, BRRI dhan55). Therefore, benefit cost ratio was calculated highest 2.57 in same Vhaira, Kalomanik, Sankarboti varieties and lowest 1.25 in BRRI dhan48, BRRI dhan55 varieties.

Entrant Image

How could we successfully replicate this solution elsewhere?

Might be replicated in similar environmental conditions compared to High Barind Tract.

Overview