Following the work on some mega projects in different sectors of the country, China is now eying to produce ‘super hybrid rice’ in Bangladesh as part of its cooperation in local agriculture. A Chinese rice research institute, Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Science (CQAAS), has sent a proposal to the agriculture ministry to establish a “Bangladesh-China Hybrid Rice Research Institute” for sustainable development of the rice in the country, sources said. The rice is popularly known as ‘super rice’ in China.

After receiving the proposal, the agriculture ministry will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Chinese authorities in this regard, the sources added. CQAAS president Prof. Tang Hongjun has written to the agriculture secretary, stating that they want to conduct super hybrid rice research and breed high yielding, multi resistance and high amylase (non-sticky) hybrid rice variety in Bangladesh to cater to the local demand by setting up the proposed institute. “Bangladesh is one of the most important ‘Belt and Road’ countries. This would be a good opportunity to establish a formal collaboration between CQAAS and the relevant Bangladeshi agricultural organizations to take our technologies and advantages together to serve the country’s small holder farmers, increase grain yield and ensure food security,” the letter said.

Tang further mentioned that Chongqing Zhong Yi Seed Company, a subsidiary of CQAAS, has implemented a Hybrid Rice Technology Cooperation between China and Bangladesh project (G-G project) in cooperation with Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) to introduce advanced technology and farm machinery.

“In two years of close cooperation, 21 strong heterotic combinations for Boro season and nine strong heterotic combinations for Aman season were selected. Hundreds of new hybrid rice materials were developed, and multi-level technical training and hybrid rice experimental trials were conducted,” the letter said.

However, Md Nasiruzzaman, agriculture ministry secretary, told The Independent that he was doubtful that the Chinese research institute would be able to produce super hybrid rice here. “They claimed that they will be able to produce 17 tonnes of super hybrid rice per hectare. We sent a team to China to see their technology and we requested them to provide their technology to us, but they didn’t,” he said.

“Yes, we need super hybrid rice verities, technology and research. That’s why we want to sign a MoU with the Chinese authorities,” he stated.

“After the MoU, we will sign an agreement to establish the proposed ‘Bangladesh-China Hybrid Rice Research Institute’,” he added.

When contacted, chief scientific officer of the Agricultural Economics Division of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) Abu Bakr Siddique told this correspondent that the authorities concerned should take immediate and effective steps to produce super hybrid rice in order to make the country

self sufficient in rice production. 

“It will be possible to produce 17 tonnes of super hybrid rice in every hectare of land in the country. At present, the yield of locally-produced hybrid rice in per hectare is near seven tonnes, Boro about six tonnes, Aman over four tonnes and Aus is about 3.50 tonnes,” he said.

The BRRI chief scientific officer also informed that the production cost at initial stage will be a bit higher in comparison to the local varieties as “we need to make and preserve adequate seeds for the super hybrid rice. But after several years when the seeds will be available, the production cost will eventually come down”.

Abu Bakr Siddique explained that per hectare production cost of super hybrid rice will be as high as Tk 1,20,000 while the cost of locally-produced hybrid rice is about Tk 1,10,000, Boro rice Tk 1,00,000, Aman rice Tk 80,000 and Aus is Tk 85,000 per hectare.

“The country’s low-lying areas, especially haor areas, are suitable for the cultivation of super hybrid rice,” he added.  

The Gazipur-based BRRI is a demand driven agricultural research institute in Bangladesh.

Since its establishment, BRRI’s major achievements have been the development of 72 high yielding modern varieties (MV) along with six hybrid rice variety strains adaptable to different ecosystems.

IK/BK