Advancing Rice Research for Food Security

A fresh look at the rice research agenda in Bangladesh ties back to bigger needs – feeding people well when numbers grow, weather gets unpredictable, and supplies run thin. With eyes on the Sustainable Development Goal of doubling agricultural productivity, labour productivity, and income of small-scale food producers by 2030, attention turns largely to women, marginal and indigenous communities, and household growers while addressing key production challenges such as unpredictable rains, salinity intrusion at the coastal belt, dry spells, pest outbreaks, and soil quality degradation. The work reminds us that growing rice matters not just in labs but on plates across villages.
From 2024 to 2025, BRRI moved forward with releasing a good number of transferable technologies for farming communities and stakeholders. Six new inbred rice varieties were made available during this period. Each variety is developed to encounter fragile growing conditions like flash floods, tidal flooding, salinity buildup, or semi-deep water and favourable irrigated conditions. One example, BRRI dhan109 through BRRI dhan114, shows a higher yield advantage compared to old strains. Better resistance under strain plus improved crop appearance stood out across tests. Besides new varieties, BRRI brought out two machines – a head feed combine harvester and a power seed sower – to ease workloads and boost efficiency. A branded organic fertiliser, protected by patent, also emerged to cut down synthetic inputs and boost soil quality while increasing rice yield. The recently developed cropping pattern shows how BRRI packed more into less space, lifting output by nearly one-third and sharpening how farms used land.
New varieties are emerging to improve how rice grows. Some crops now contain more vitamins, like vitamin E, and also carry higher levels of antioxidants – seen in enhanced Boro types. Others stand out with long-duration HYV, while some withstand salt and cold stress well. Then there are short-duration advance lines irrespective of growing seasons.  Several proposed hybrids and advanced breeding lines exhibit high yield potential, lodging tolerance, and adaptability to fragile environments, salinity in particular. The transformation of plant architecture to achieve super height and the achievement in Basmati-type rice research reflect BRRI’s tactical response to both national and international demand.
From fields to labs, BRRI digs into smarter ways of growing crops – ways that are sustainable and efficient. One tool made a big difference: bio-coated urea, which cuts down urea use by 30–40%, yet yields more harvests. Instead of sprays, scientists now push microbes that beat back plant disease naturally – no harsh chemicals needed. The development of IoT-based automated Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation systems demonstrates progress toward water-saving technologies. Yet here’s something else: using a special compost (Tricho-compost) lowered the need for chemical potassium inputs while boosting soil balance and cutting down on unwanted growths.
Nowadays rice breeding sees real progress using tools like genomic selection, marker-assisted methods, speed breeding, and whole-genome fingerprinting. Because of these changes, breeding takes less time, while fast genotyping paired with rapid breeding lines has strengthened BRRI’s breeding pipeline. A broad pool of diverse germplasm gets sorted, refreshed, and shared – helping find tough climate-resistant parents for future climate-smart varieties. BRRI is also keeping notes about how pests become resistant, along with soil degradation, environmental pollution, emissions of greenhouse gases, etc. Work gets stronger thanks to advanced testing tools found in the Rice Analytical Laboratory now using high-tech gear and holding global accreditation.
Nowadays, BRRI uses more digital tools to help researchers share findings while assisting farmers better. A live tracking system powered by artificial intelligence shows where pest insurgences are happening most, helping officials, scientists, advisors and growers see results as they come. Farmers can quickly find matching variety types using weather data and resistance levels thanks to a mobile tool built for crop choice under changing circumstances. Farmer skills grow from hands-on sessions, visits to working fields and experimental plots, and helplines where questions get answered quickly. The institute’s scientific impression is further confirmed by the publication of approximately 200 research articles during 2024-25 in high-impact international journals supporting BRRI’s global research performance.
Right now, BRRI pushes ahead with looking at a research agenda focused on developing superior rice varieties using frontier breeding tools such as genomic prediction, haplotype-based breeding, and speed breeding. The goal leans toward rice varieties that boost nutrition while handling climate shocks better. Mechanisation steps in where possible, tied closely to digital tools taking root in farming practices. Down the line, attention may shift toward value-added rice products and more sustainable pathways from field to market. Skills in modern rice science will need strengthening along the way. Together, these goals work toward sustainable food supplies and lower income gaps while supporting eco-friendly methods in growing rice across Bangladesh.

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The writer is former Director General of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute and former Executive Director of Krishi Gobeshona Foundation