This blog discusses the implementation of the trial titled “Head to Head Adaptive Trial (HHAT) of Modern Rice Varieties (IRRI-BRRI Protocol)” under Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University in the Boro 2021-2022 season in Bangladesh by Agribusiness Education and Research International (AERI).

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University collaborates with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) under the Accelerated Genetic Gain in Rice (AGGRi) program to conduct HHAT. The objectives of the project are: collecting robust data and verifying the suitability of modern, high-yielding, promising varieties of rice in different parts of the country; comparing popular varieties with candidate products; selecting suitable varieties for specific regions; rapid expansion of candidate product at field level; and collecting the farmers’ feedback on cultivable varieties and taking necessary steps. Dr. Zilhas Ahmed Jewel, assistant professor in the Department of Agriculture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University is managing 30 trials in hilly areas associating with AERI.

The AGRRi seed system team in Bangladesh is providing all kinds of technical support for conducting the trials, including coordination, field supervision and need-based field assistance, as well as supporting and helping the partner for conducting the trials, as per IRRI-Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) protocol guidelines for avoiding any kind of bias.

Bangladesh and IRRI have been working together for more than five decades. Bangladesh was the site of IRRI’s first overseas outreach operation. The Savar Farm, a government-run dairy venture outside Dhaka, examined 303 rice cultivars in 1965. The first widely circulated, high-yielding semidwarf rice variety, IR8, was introduced into the country two years later in 1967.

According to IRRI, the country’s rice production has climbed 3.6 times in the last five decades, from 15 million tonnes in 1971 to 54 million tonnes in 2019, making it the fourth biggest in the world.

Bangladesh has attained cereal self sufficiency because of significant government investments in research, farming technologies and incentives.

Bangladesh is a significant agricultural country, and the country’s economy is still heavily reliant on it; agriculture employs 70% of the population directly or indirectly.

Rice is a basic food for more than half of the world’s population, including Bangladesh’s 135 million inhabitants. Rice accounts for over half of all rural jobs, two-thirds of total calorie supply and one-half of total protein consumption for the average person in the country. Rice is grown by about 13 million families across the country on around 10.5 million hectares. Rice is cultivated on around 75% of the total farmed area and over 80% of the total irrigated area. BRRI was founded in 1970 with the goal of developing contemporary rice varieties that are better adapted to local growing conditions and enhanced production procedures that have won it a high reputation in Bangladesh and throughout the world.

This trial also helps in learning about varietal characteristics in order to properly manage/optimize management for maximum yield/expected yield. Not only this, but also to easily understand the varietal characteristics and agronomic management in the following aspects:

Varietal characteristics:

Growing season, growth duration, ecosystem, tolerance, plant height, leaf arrangement, yield potential, grain size, shape and color.

Agronomic management:

Seed and seedbed preparation, seedling uprooting, use of optimum-aged seedling, land preparation, balanced fertilization, optimum irrigation, weed management, insect and disease management, timely harvesting, etc.

HHAT of the following modern rice varieties implemented by AERI:

• Bangabandhu dhan 100
• BRRI dhan 74
• BRRI dhan 84
• BRRI dhan 88
• BRRI dhan 96
• Chakka Panja

This trial will be implemented in three districts in Bangladesh. Already, seeds were given to farmers early in the Boro 2021 season. Now, farmers started transplanting rice. By the way, AERI will successfully implement the trial, as per the guidelines. AERI also successfully implemented the trial titled “Head to Head Trial (HHAT) of Modern Rice Varieties” under the TRB project of BRRI in the Boro 2020-2021 season and Aman 2021 season in Bangladesh.

AERI is committed to providing comprehensive, syndicated research to farm industry leaders, evaluating market dynamics in agribusiness, agriculture, crop protection, seeds and more. The broad experience of our team in the agriculture industry, combined with marketing research expertise, forms the basis for reports which provide clear insights and realistic tactics.

AERI is one of the best international educational websites in the world in the agribusiness sector. It is one of the firms duly registered in the Office of the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC) under the Partnership Act, 1932. AERI is also a seed dealer duly registered in the office seed wing of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Agribusiness and marketing related to national and international research are highly performed by a group of renowned research personnel.

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