Photo : BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Sept 26, 2025 (BSS) - Two drought-tolerant rice varieties -- BINA-19 and BINA-21 -- developed by the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) have opened up new opportunities for farmers in the drought-prone Barind region of Rajshahi.

With lower water requirements and reduced cultivation costs, these high-yielding, disease-resistant rice varieties are gaining popularity among local farmers. Their expansion is playing a significant role in easing the growing pressure on underground water resources.

Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said the Barind region is currently facing an acute water crisis. In response, farmers are being encouraged to cultivate these water-efficient BINA varieties to reduce dependency on groundwater.

"These rice varieties are showing promising results in Barind. They are not only drought and disease-resistant, but also cost-effective, making them an ideal choice for this climate-challenged area," said DAE Deputy Director Dr Yeasin Ali.

Farmers echo the same sentiment. Abdul Karim, a farmer from Gomostapur upazila, shared his experience: "I cultivated BINA-25 and BINA-26 on five bighas of land and harvested 120 mounds of rice. These varieties require less irrigation and offer better resistance to disease, which is increasing their popularity."

BINA Scientific Officer Dr Azadul Haque said that alongside BINA-19 and BINA-21, other drought-tolerant varieties like BINA-17, 18, and 25 are also being promoted in the region. Notably, these varieties do not require irrigation after seedling transplantation. Farmers are reporting yields ranging from 20 to 25 mounds per bigha, encouraging many others to adopt these varieties.

"These stress-tolerant varieties are playing a vital role in helping farmers cope with the impacts of climate change," he added.

The Barind region faces extreme climatic conditions marked by high temperatures, low and erratic rainfall, and poor soil moisture retention. This leads to water scarcity -- especially in the dry season -- as tube wells dry up, causing widespread crop failures, increased poverty, and large areas of fallow land.

Professor Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan of the Department of Geology and Mining at Rajshahi University highlighted that the Barind region is already experiencing the daily impacts of climate change, but comprehensive measures to address them remain inadequate.

"Food production in this region sustains the country. If it suffers, the whole nation will be affected," he said, adding that they have been researching groundwater depletion and climate vulnerability in the region for decades.

DAE Additional Director Dr Azizur Rahman said BINA rice cultivation in the Barind area is part of a broader effort to promote climate-smart agriculture.

He noted that techniques such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) are being encouraged to conserve water and enhance yields. AWD, which involves periodic drying of fields rather than continuous flooding, can save up to 30 percent of irrigation water while increasing productivity.

Efforts are also underway to re-excavate ponds, canals, and other water bodies to boost surface water availability and reduce dependence on underground water. These strategies are critical in addressing the water crisis caused by erratic rainfall, intense heat, and inadequate soil moisture.
With the continued promotion of drought-tolerant rice varieties and improved water management, officials hope to transform agriculture in the Barind region into a more resilient and sustainable system, ensuring long-term food security.