Govt prioritising research to develop climate-resilient rice varieties: Minister

The government is prioritising research-driven agricultural development to introduce new climate-resilient rice varieties amid concerns over potential crop losses caused by climate change, Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid said Saturday (1 August).

The minister made the remarks while talking to reporters following an exchange-of-views meeting with officials from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock ministries at the Cumilla Circuit House.

He announced that "BRRI Dhan-118," a cold-tolerant rice variety, will be released for the Haor (wetland) regions in the upcoming season. The variety can be planted and harvested early, allowing farmers to gather their yield before flash floods strike, he said, adding that this would significantly reduce crop damage in the flood-prone wetlands.

The minister also revealed that a salinity-tolerant rice variety is scheduled for release next year, praising scientists at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) for their efforts in developing climate-adaptive crops. 

Responding to questions on fish exports, Aminur said the government is seriously considering exporting fish through the Cumilla land port, adding that necessary steps will be taken following discussions with the commerce minister.

On marketing infrastructure, he said the government will assess the feasibility of setting up a fish landing station in Cumilla, with a decision to be made if suitable government land is available.

Since Bangladeshi consumers prefer fresh freshwater fish, he said, the government is focusing on modernising marketing infrastructure alongside cold storage facilities.

Highlighting livestock development, the minister disclosed that a major expansion project is underway at existing vaccine production centres, which, once completed, will enable large-scale domestic production of vaccines for livestock and poultry, reducing import dependence and strengthening the sector.

On canal re-excavation initiatives, he expressed confidence that ongoing projects under the Ministry of Agriculture are progressing on schedule and would meet 100 percent of targets next year.

Referring to recent flood relief efforts, the minister said seeds and essential agricultural inputs have already been distributed among affected farmers, while free vaccination drives for livestock have been conducted in flood-hit upazilas to prevent disease outbreaks in the post-flood period.