The Country Representative of the IRRI in Bangladesh, Dr. Humnath Bhandari, met with the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Livestock Minister, Amin Ur Rashid, at his secretariat office. Photo: PID

DHAKA, April 21, 2026 (BSS) – Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Amin Ur Rashid today sought IRRI’s (International Rice Research Institute) support in producing rice varieties with higher nutritional value and lower glycaemic index (GI). 

Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) has been developing high-yielding, drought, flood and cold-tolerant rice varieties as well as nutrient-rich strains with the IRRI’s support and that are contributing to ensuring the country’s food security, he said. 

The minister made the remarks at a meeting with Country Representative of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Bangladesh Dr. Humnath Bhandari at his secretariat office here.

During the meeting, they also discussed issues relating to ensuring food security and developing nutrition, climate change adaptation rice varieties and carrying out joint research on the high-yielding rice varieties. 

In this connection, he stressed on conducting joint research with IRRI to develop high-yielding, climate-resilient and short-duration rice varieties.

In reply, the IRRI representative said the organization would continue its support to Bangladesh for rice production and conducting research and the development of new rice varieties. 

He expressed interest in working with Bangladesh in its important food security, nutrition and public health, climate adaptation, improving farmers’ livelihoods and agricultural development sectors.

He also mentioned supporting cultivation in Bangladesh of IRRI-developed rice varieties with higher nutritional value and lower glycaemic index.