IRRI, Bangladesh, and BADC organized field events showcasing 20 promising rice varieties to engage stakeholders in assessing and selecting climate-resilient and market-demand-driven options for sustainable farming.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) organized four Crop Cafeteria field evaluation events from November 14 to November 20, 2024, in Habiganj, Noakhali, Dinajpur, and Tangail districts in Bangladesh. These events showcased the performance of 20 rice varieties, providing a collaborative platform for farmers, millers, seed producers, and researchers to identify varieties that align with their ecological and market needs.
Crop Cafeterias address the challenge of aligning rice variety development with the unique requirements of various stakeholders across different agroecological zones. By combining scientific evaluation with stakeholder insights, this initiative strengthens Bangladesh’s seed supply chain, enhances varietal awareness, and contributes to sustainable agricultural practices.
Key features of the crop cafeteria events
A total of 20 rice varieties were displayed in four events in four different agroecological zones, including hybrid varieties of four private seed companies under USAID-funded IRRI Rice Breeding Activity, inbred varieties developed by the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) and Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), and local checks.
Varieties were grouped based on growth duration—early, mid, and late—to ensure synchronized flowering. Stakeholders assessed the varieties’ performance in their respective regions, documenting preferences and providing feedback to guide breeding programs and seed production planning.
Voices from the field
“Crop Cafeterias bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application, empowering farmers, millers, and researchers to make informed decisions about rice variety adoption,” said Dr. Md. Sirajul Islam, IRRI Bangladesh’s Chief of Party of IRRI Rice Breeding Activity.
Dr. Md. Nazmul Islam, Joint Director of BADC and event coordinator, highlighted the program’s impact, adding “These events showcase the collective power of multilateral partnerships in advancing rice research, development, and dissemination across Bangladesh’s diverse ecologies.”
Dr. Muhammad Ashraful Habib, Lead Specialist, Seed System & Product Management, IRRI Bangladesh said, “By aligning varietal development with market dynamics, we ensure that rice production remains both sustainable and profitable.” Dr. Saidul Islam and Mr. Md. Abdur Rahim from IRRI Bangladesh were also present at the field day in Habiganj district.
Regional insights and outcomes
Participants included 42 stakeholders from each district, totaling 168 individuals, including men and women farmers, millers, seed dealers, and representatives from BRRI, BINA, public universities, private seed companies, and the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) participated in these events. Their assessments revealed preferences for specific varieties based on regional and stakeholder-specific needs.
In initial evaluation, as per stakeholders’ overall choices are at Dinajpur: BINA dhan17, BRRI dhan75, BRRI dhan90, BRRI dhan94, BRRI dhan95, BRRI dhan103, Supreme 1, IR16F1148, Hera16, and BRRI hybrid dhan6. At Modhupur, Tangail: stakeholders’ preference is BINA dhan17, BRRI dhan95, BRRI dhan103, Supreme 1, IR16F1148, Hera16, BRRI hybrid dhan6. In most vulnerable ecosystem at Subornachar, Noakhali: preferences are BINA dhan26, BRRI dhan80, BRRI dhan93, BRRI dhan94, BRRI dhan95, IR16F1148. At Itakhola, Habiganj: BINA dhan17, BRRI dhan95, BRRI dhan103, Supreme 1, IR16F1148, and Hera16.
These regional variations underscore the adaptability and selection of cultivars suited to specific agro-climatic conditions. These findings offer a scientific basis for improving breeding programs and seed supply chain efficiency. Crop cafeterias offer valuable insights for breeders and researchers, fostering efficient seed supply chains and bridging public-private networks. Women farmers prefer short-duration varieties for intensified cropping, while millers and dealers favor slender varieties for market demand. These events emphasize aligning varietal development with market needs, ensuring compatibility with both agricultural and economic priorities.
Expanding the impact of crop cafeterias
IRRI and BADC plan to expand the Crop Cafeteria model to other agroecological zones in Bangladesh. Future efforts will focus on integrating stakeholder insights into varietal development to ensure compatibility with both farming and market demands. This initiative is part of IRRI’s One Rice Breeding Strategy and CGIAR’s Seed Equal Initiative, funded to enhance innovation and sustainability in rice farming. By fostering multilateral collaborations, Crop Cafeterias pave the way for a resilient, profitable, and food-secure future for Bangladesh’s rice industry.
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