Rice Production In Bangladesh Research Articles

Comparative Performance of Different Fertilizer Recommendation Methods on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa) in Old Brahmaputra Floodplain Soils

Improving rice productivity is the challenge for the farmer due to rapid soil health deterioration in intensive agricultural system. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate comparative performance of different nutrient management practices in rice production in Bangladesh. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. There were six treatments namely, T1 (Control-no fertilizer), T2 (Farmer’s Practice), T3 (Fertilizer Recommendation Guide-2018), T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit), T5 (Soil Test Basis) and T6 (Rice Crop Manager). The results revealed that all the treatments showed better performances over control (T1). Treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit) produced the highest value of plant height (90.18 cm), panicle length (24.90), filled grains panicle-1 (122.60) and 1000-grain weight (26.67g) while T5 (Soil Test Basis) produced maximum effective tillers hill-1 (12.80). The highest grain yield (6.29 t ha-1) and straw yield (7.73 t ha-1) were recorded in treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit). Treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit) also showed the highest grain yield increase (61.49%) and straw yield increase (90.49%) over control. The highest total N, P and K uptake (108.84 kg ha-1, 24.54 kg ha-1 and 128.17 kg ha-1) were obtained in the treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit). Control treatment T1 (No fertilizers) showed minimum performances in all the cases compared to other treatments. The overall result demonstrated that the application of fertilizers following BAU Soil Testing Kit method of fertilizer application system is a better option for rice production.

Optimizing Rice Milling in Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Analysis of Semi-Automatic Processes with Modern Machinery

This study investigates the inclusion of modern machinery into the rice milling process in Bangladesh. The investigation spanned three districts-Dinajpur, Kushtia, and Mymensingh. Data collection involved personal interviews employing semi-structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions, covering aspects such as mill types, ownership status, existing products, milling machinery varieties, and the total commissioning cost of mills/sections. Employing a primary descriptive statistical method, the study aimed to assess the current status of rice milling, specifically semi-automated processes utilizing modern machinery, focusing on type, capacity, and technological aspects. The research revealed milling costs for semi-automatic operations without modern equipment at Tk.2954 and those with modern equipment at Tk.3460. Whole rice recovery rates were 66.25% and 64.75%, respectively. Semi-automatic rice mills exhibited a capacity range of 1.15-1.75 t/h, with a utilization rate of 40%. The estimated benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) were higher for semi-automatic mills, both with and without modern equipment, at 1.48 and 1.64, respectively. Staff requirements for semi-automatic operations without modern equipment and those with modern equipment were reported as 9.13 and 4.50 person-hours per ton of paddy processing, respectively. These findings serve as a valuable foundation for making well-informed decisions and offering guidance to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and entrepreneurs in optimizing the benefits of automation for sustainable and competitive rice production in Bangladesh.

A Comprehensive Overview of Automatic Rice Milling with Modern Machinery in Bangladesh

This research paper thoroughly studied how modern machinery is used in milling rice in Bangladesh. The study took place in three districts: Dinajpur, Kushtia, and Mymensingh. Researchers gathered information through personal interviews, surveys, and group discussions. Data was collected from automatic mills, ownership, products, machinery used, and the cost of setting up the mill. The data analysis used a simple descriptive statistical method. The main goal of the research was to understand the current situation of rice milling in terms of automation, including the types of technology and capacities involved. For mills with modern equipment, the milling cost was Tk.2601, while for those without modern equipment, it was Tk.3098. The rice recovery rates were 67.5% and 66%, respectively. Automatic rice mills had a capacity of 3-3.5 tons per hour, with a utilization rate of 56%. The research also found that the estimated benefit-cost ratios (BCRs) were higher in automatic rice mills, both with and without modern equipment, at 2.64 and 2.49, respectively. Profit margins per ton of milled rice were highest in automatic mills without modern equipment (Tk. 5881) and lowest in mills with modern equipment (Tk. 7338). The staff cost per ton of paddy processing was lowest in modern automatic rice mills (Tk. 101), mainly due to their higher capacity and automation. Automatic rice mills without modern equipment had a staff cost of Tk. 173 per ton. The findings of this research provide valuable information for decision-makers, guiding policymakers, industry stakeholders, and entrepreneurs to make informed choices and optimize the benefits of automation for sustainable and competitive rice production in Bangladesh.

Antifungal potential of commercial silver nanoparticles against rice blast pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae

The rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is one of the major and recurrent threats to sustainable rice production in Bangladesh. To mitigate this problem, the present study was undertaken with the aim to investigate the inhibitory effects of commercially available silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) on the growth and development of Magnaporthe oryzae, and control of rice blast disease. In vitro experiments demonstrated that Ag-NPs significantly suppressed the radial growth of fungal mycelium, with the highest inhibition (83.54%) at a concentration of 250 ppm, while Trooper 75 WP at 400 ppm completely inhibited the fungal mycelial growth. The production of conidia and colony formation were also reduced significantly by Ag-NPs treatment. Furthermore, Ag-NPs exhibited a substantial inhibitory effect on the germination of M. oryzae conidia, with complete inhibition observed at concentrations between 200 and 250 ppm. Comparative analyses revealed that the fungicidal effect of Ag-NPs was superior to silver nitrate (AgNO3), suggesting the augmented activity of the nano properties. The sensitivity of M. oryzae to Ag-NPs was determined by calculating EC50 and EC95 values, which indicated a mean EC50 value of 131.5 ppm and a mean EC95 value of 276 ppm. Additionally, in vivo experiments showed that preventive and curative treatments with Ag-NPs significantly reduced disease incidence and severity in rice plants infected with M. oryzae, with efficacy comparable to that of the fungicide Trooper 75 WP. At higher concentrations of Ag-NPs, preventive treatment was found to be more effective than curative treatment in disease control. These findings highlighted the potential of Ag-NPs as an effective alternative for the management of rice blast. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2023) 27 (1): 17-30

Evidence for tropospheric ozone effects on rice production in Bangladesh

Although Bangladesh is known to be burdened with elevated tropospheric ozone levels, little is known about its effects on food security. We conducted field experiments in four highly polluted rice growing environments of Bangladesh in three cropping seasons (2020−2022), in which we grew 20 different rice varieties with or without application of the ozone protectant ethylene diurea (EDU). The average daytime ozone concentrations at the study sites during the rice growing seasons ranged from 53 ppb to 84 ppb, with the lowest concentrations occurring in the year 2020. EDU increased rice grain yields significantly by an average of 10.4 % across all seasons and locations, indicating that plants were stressed under ambient ozone concentrations. EDU was effective in distinguishing ozone-tolerant from ozone-sensitive varieties, in which yield increased by up to 21 %. Likewise, the EDU treatment positively affected vegetation indices representing chlorophyll (NDVI), the chorophyll:carotenoid ratio (Lic2), and pigments of the xanthophyll cycle (PRI). Stomatal conductance was increased significantly by an average of around 10 % among all varieties when plants were treated with EDU. In all physiological traits, significant genotype by treatment interactions occurred, indicating that different varieties varied in their responses to ozone stress. Our study demonstrates that rice production in Bangladesh is severely affected by tropospheric ozone, and calls for the breeding of tolerant rice varieties as well as mitigation measures to reduce air pollution.

Climate Change and Rice Production in Bangladesh: Finding the Best Prospective Factors Using Multiple Linear Regression Modeling Techniques

Climatic factors like temperature, rainfall, humidity, CO2 and solar radiation significantly impact agricultural production. Bangladesh is primarily an agriculture-based developing country. Rice (Oryza sativa L.), the main food of Bangladeshi people also provides a significant percentage of their regular, balanced diet. Many studies have been conducted to determine the effects of climate variability and change on rice productivity in Bangladesh. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between rice crop production and climate variables (namely, average temperature, rainfall, CO2, and humidity) and find out the best model that has an actual impact on rice production. Selecting 'potential predictors' from numerous possible variables to influence the forecast variable and investigating the most appropriate model with a subset of the potential predictors are two major difficulties of fitting the multiple linear regression model. Best subset regression and stepwise regression were used to fit the model using R software. Our results revealed that temperature and CO2 were statistically significant for rice production at 5% and 1% levels of significance respectively. From Adjusted R2, climatic parameters account for 17.39 percent of the variation in rice production. Temperature and CO2 are the best predictors, according to model Cp and AIC values, and stepwise regression also supports this finding. The model that had been so successfully fitted was considered to be highly significant, demonstrating its potential for use in reality by the concerned planners and policymakers.

Assessment of Bangladeshi rice landraces for drought tolerance under controlled environment

Drought is one of the major challenging abiotic stresses for rice production in Bangladesh. This study investigated 48 rice landraces obtained from different Eco-zones of Bangladesh for their drought tolerance characteristics. Significant variation was observed in morpho-physiological traits such as length of root and shoot, dry weight of root and shoot, leaf stomatal resistance and stomata number. Stomatal conductance, root length, root dry weight showed significant correlation with visual drought score. A cluster analysis based on morpho-physiological characteristics identified six cluster groups and most of the promising drought tolerance landraces were found in cluster VI. Five landraces - Dhapa, Dud Kalam, Dular, Hogla Pata and Keora showed key desired characteristics for dry weight, stomatal conductance, evapotranspiration, water use efficiency and root parameters for drought tolerance. These landraces could be potential sources in breeding program for the development of drought tolerant rice varieties. Bangladesh Rice J. 26 (1): 1-16, 2022

Influence of Climate Factors on Aman Rice Yield in Bangladesh: Co-Integration and Vector Error Correction Model Approach

Climate factors’ consequence on human performance has occurred as a worldwide apprehension in the earlier 30 years. This study explores climate factors’ influence on Aman rice production in Bangladesh. Co-integration and Vector Error Correction Model approximation procedure is applied to measure the climate-crop harvest interrelation on the basis of country-level time series data for the time 1972-2019. Changing in mean maximum and minimum temperature, annual men rainfall, and average humidity are used as characteristic variables for climate factors. The result of the vector error correction model denotes that both in the long-run and short-run, average maximum temperature and average total rainfall inversely affect Aman rice yield in Bangladesh respectively. Average minimum temperature and average humidity positively affect Aman rice production in the short run respectively. Fertilizers and irrigation have a positive influence on Aman rice yield in the short-run correspondingly. Conversely, labor has a robust negative consequence on Aman rice yield in the short-run in Bangladesh agriculture. Policymakers would develop policies to control temperature and introduce heat-tolerant rice varieties and adaptation measures to sustain Aman rice production in Bangladesh.

An Application of ARIMAX Model to Examine the Effect of Climatic Factors on the Annual rice Production in Bangladesh

Rice is the world’s third main crops and around 160 million of people in Bangladesh consume it as a staple food. As a climate vulnerable country, the effect of climatic factors on rice production in Bangladesh is noticeable. Therefore, the study aimed to examine the impact of climatic factors on annual rice production in Bangladesh. We compiled a yearly dataset including rice production, mean temperature (˚C), relative humidity (%) and precipitation (mm/day) from 1981 to 2020. The entire data were analyzed by using Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with Explanatory Variables (ARIMAX) model. We found that mean temperature had a negative impact on the rice production (β = -13518243, 95% CI: -19868503, -7167982). Relative humidity had both positive impact on the rice production (β = 1824456, 95% CI: 418585, 2230327). Precipitation had both positive and negative impact on the rice production. In conclusion, mean temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation are three factors that may have an influence on the annual rice production in Bangladesh. Since Bangladesh has a hot, humid environment, it is therefore advised that breeders create rice types that use less water and are more effective in high temperatures.

A tree based eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) machine learning model to forecast the annual rice production in Bangladesh.

In this study, we attempt to anticipate annual rice production in Bangladesh (1961-2020) using both the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) methods and compare their respective performances. On the basis of the lowest Corrected Akaike Information Criteria (AICc) values, a significant ARIMA (0, 1, 1) model with drift was chosen based on the findings. The drift parameter value shows that the production of rice positively trends upward. Thus, the ARIMA (0, 1, 1) model with drift was found to be significant. On the other hand, the XGBoost model for time series data was developed by changing the tunning parameters frequently with the greatest result. The four prominent error measures, such as mean absolute error (MAE), mean percentage error (MPE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), were used to assess the predictive performance of each model. We found that the error measures of the XGBoost model in the test set were comparatively lower than those of the ARIMA model. Comparatively, the MAPE value of the test set of the XGBoost model (5.38%) was lower than that of the ARIMA model (7.23%), indicating that XGBoost performs better than ARIMA at predicting the annual rice production in Bangladesh. Hence, the XGBoost model performs better than the ARIMA model in predicting the annual rice production in Bangladesh. Therefore, based on the better performance, the study forecasted the annual rice production for the next 10 years using the XGBoost model. According to our predictions, the annual rice production in Bangladesh will vary from 57,850,318 tons in 2021 to 82,256,944 tons in 2030. The forecast indicated that the amount of rice produced annually in Bangladesh will increase in the years to come.

Analysis and Forecasting of Rice Production Behavior in Bangladesh

This research looks at how numerous factors, including the price of rice, area, improved seed distribution, areas irrigated by different improved methods, and fertilizer, influence rice production in Bangladesh. This study employed the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model to investigate the short-run and long-run effects of each exogenous variable on rice production. In this research work, auto regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and hybrid ARIMA-(general autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic) GRACH were used to forecast rice production in Bangladesh from 1983 to 2030. The parameters of price of rice, area irrigated by different improved methods, area, and fertilizer were found to have a significant and positive impact on rice production in this study, both in the short run and the long run, according to the ARDL model. According to the lowest Root Mean Squared Error, Mean Absolute Error and Theil Inequality Coefficient criteria, the linear hybrid ARIMA (11, 1, 11)–EGARCH (1, 1)–M model performed better in predicting the rice production in Bangladesh. IUBAT Review—A Multidisciplinary Academic Journal, 5 (1): 1-14

Farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards the adoption of hybrid rice production in Bangladesh: an PLS-SEM approach

ABSTRACT Although the government policy supports the adoption of hybrid rice in Bangladesh but there is no significant progress has been made over the last decades. The study aimed to determine farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of hybrid rice adoption, and the causal relationship between them in Bangladesh. Using a stratified random sampling technique, 244 cross-sectional surveys were done from the Sherpur district of Bangladesh. The descriptive statistics, two-round Delphi method, and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) were used to estimate latent variables and identify the causal relationship between KAPs. The results revealed that farmers’ knowledge and attitudes were directly and significantly associated with the adoption of hybrid rice. This implies that farmers who are well informed about the usage of hybrid rice and are likely to embrace it and raise their revenue, can be influenced by knowledge. The study found a significant positive role for knowledge about hybrid rice, attitudes, and practices in adopting hybrid rice. This study provides a primary understanding of the relationship between psychological factors and the adoption of hybrid rice technology to increase rice farm productivity. The findings suggest that policymakers, researchers and development agencies should focus on farmers’ psychological factors in improving the adoption of hybrid rice in Bangladesh.

Changing occurrence of crop water surplus or deficit and the impact of irrigation: An analysis highlighting consequences for rice production in Bangladesh

Disentangling the impacts of water deficit and lack of irrigation infrastructure on critical food supplies such as rice in countries like Bangladesh remains a challenge. In this paper, we explore this challenge using North Bengal as a case study site over 1979–2018. We characterise crop water surplus/deficit with meteorological and soil moisture data and analyse the coherence of these timeseries with rice production in the study region. We then examine the trends, periodicities and degree of coherence between crop water surplus/deficit, irrigation, and rice production. Our results indicate an almost constant water deficit during winter and maximum water deficits in the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Critically, crop water surplus shows a significantly decreasing trend since 1979 during the monsoon period. We find that the correlation between crop water surplus/deficit, while strongly correlated with meteorological drought, weakens over time. This is suggestive of the important role that irrigation development has played over this period. Although the severity and frequency of water deficits have increased during the study period, possibly as a result of climate change or variability, rice production has decoupled from this trend and is instead positively correlated with irrigation. Despite this encouraging finding, it is unknown if technological progress will continue and whether there will be sufficient extractable groundwater and surface water to meet increasing irrigation demand in the future. Our finding of a long-term increase in water deficit underscores the likely future challenges in these critical rice growing regions for the people of Bangladesh, should this trend continue. The future sufficient rice production in the region will likely rely on the availability of reliable and affordable fuel or electric power to operate irrigation systems and a proactive and vigilant approach to agricultural water security in a variable and changing climate.

Intensity of adoption and welfare impacts of drought-tolerant rice varieties cultivation in Bangladesh

Rice production in Bangladesh is vulnerable to climate-related risk such as drought, which contributes to food insecurity. Adoption of drought-tolerant rice varieties can play an important role in increasing productivity, food grain supply, and income. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have measured the welfare impacts of drought-tolerant rice varieties in the South Asian and Bangladeshi context. Therefore, this study identifies the factors that influence the intensity of adoption and welfare impacts of drought-tolerant rice varieties in Bangladesh. To accomplish these objectives, 300 rice growers from three drought-prone districts of Bangladesh were surveyed. To analyze the impacts, the entire sample was divided into three groups depending on their share of land under drought-tolerant rice variety cultivation: full adopters, partial adopters, and non-adopters. The descriptive statistics, two-limit Tobit model and multivalued treatment effect models were used to analyze the data. According to the findings, training as well as technology-related factors play a major role in boosting the intensity of adoption. Full adopters of drought-tolerant varieties receive 1222–1473 kg higher yield per hectare compared to non-adopters. Based on several treatment effect models, the impact on income ranges from 3.46% to 4.22%. When compared to non-adopters, full adopters can consume 1.02–1.29 months more rice from their own production in a year. Shows about climate change and other relevant topics should be broadcast on the television on a regular basis to raise awareness. Modifying the extension method with modern communication technologies will aid in widespread adoption of new technologies. Drought-tolerant rice varieties can help to mitigate the harmful effects of drought and alleviate poverty in drought-prone areas.

Institutional analysis for scaling alternate wetting and drying for low-emissions rice production: evidence from Bangladesh

ABSTRACT This article provides a comprehensive institutional analysis to better understand the key conditions and incentives relevant for the uptake of alternate wetting and drying (AWD) – a climate-smart irrigation practice in Bangladesh. Practicing AWD in rice production can reduce water consumption by 30% and mitigate methane emissions by 30–70% without yield penalty. Primary research was conducted in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, and Sherpur Divisions. The analysis depicts the dynamic among the stakeholders involved in scaling AWD using the Net-Map tool, and demonstrates the influence of irrigation management systems in the selected catchment areas and the impacts of AWD in rice farming. Findings reveal that AWD-practicing farmers, pump owners, and the Upazila Irrigation Committee are the three most powerful influencers for scaling AWD. The pre-paid irrigation system significantly improves water efficiency and cost-effectiveness when practising AWD. Additionally, AWD leads to a lower frequency of pumping resulting in reduced costs compared to the continuous-flooding practice. Finally, the results guide the formulation of recommendations to create favourable conditions for AWD scaling, which contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing sustainable rice production in Bangladesh.

Risks affecting hybrid rice yield in Bangladesh: two-tier approach of appraisal and management

Purpose: Bangladesh faces a growing food demand from a growing population under the continuous shrinking of arable land. Most Bangladeshi farmers produce inbred rice. Hybrid rice has been shown, in China, to be far more productive per hectare. Bangladesh cannot feed itself long-term without ample produce of hybrid rice. Yet, fewer Bangladeshi farmers are growing hybrid rice at present; they perceive hybrid rice cultivation as too risky. The present study was conducted to define the yield risks of hybrid rice and develop management strategies to allow hybrid rice to contribute more to food production. Research Method: Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to evaluate the risks of hybrid rice production from the farmers’ perspective and the experts’. Three hundred fifty-four randomly-sampled hybrid rice farmers were interviewed with key informants, focus group discussions, experts’ opinion surveys, and workshops. A fuzzy triangular scale was used in calculating the yield risks of hybrid rice production. Findings: From the results, unexpected yield performance, germination failure, unavailability of seed in sowing seasons, and crop failure due to pest infestation were identified as the critical yield risks. A regression model determined that education, family income, innovativeness, hybrid rice cultivation experience, and rice selling in public procurement are lower yield risks in growing hybrid rice. Therefore, educated farmers from high-income families, innovative farmers, experienced farmers, and farmers who sell rice in public procurement face lower yield risk in hybrid rice production. Originality/value: This study mainly identified the critical risk and management strategies for hybrid rice production in Bangladesh. The policy advises encouraging hybrid rice cultivation by reducing yield risk, which is also offered.

Weather Forecast Based Rice Advisory Services in Bangladesh

Strengthening the early warning system to forecast extreme weather and provide action-oriented advisories may increase rice yield as well as enhance the income of the farmers through minimizing risks and losses, if proper use of the generated advisory is ensured. This study assessed the importance and impact of weather forecast based advisory service (WFBAS) in Bangladesh. Literature review and field experimental data were used in a sensitivity analysis to show the impact of WFBAS on rice production. Available literatures suggested that the weather based advisory service would enhance rice yield by around 6.7-10%, but the experimental findings revealed that yield advantage could be 21.48%. Besides, the adoption of this technology would reduce the cost of cultivation by 12%, whereas the aggregate impact would increase the farmers’ profit by 25%. In the sensitivity study, we considered the production and price of Aman and Boro seasons (actual and government procured prices for 2018-19) and assumed only 6.70% yield increase with 5% farmers adopting of WFBAS. As such, additional 0.172 million tons will be added to the national rough rice production and thus the nation will be benefited by 3143 million Bangladeshi taka (BDT) at the actual farmgate price and it would be 4478 million BDT at the government procured price. The return on one BDT investment in this technology would be 51-73 BDT based on actual and procured prices. The projection showed enhenced production of the rough rice at 0.119 million tons and 0.214 million tons by 2025 and 2030, on which the additional return would be BDT 2441 and BDT 5223 million at the projected actual farmgate price and BDT 3522 and BDT 6979 million at the projected Government procured price, respectively. Hence, the successful implementation of the WFBAS will help to develop resilient rice farming communities, minimize livelihood risk, reduce the cost of production, utilize resources efficienty, and enable the farmers to take maximum benefit from favorable weather conditions through improved agricultural extension services. Finally, the enhanced yield and loss reduction will help to achieve the target of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) by 2030 through sustaining rice production in Bangladesh under changing climate. Bangladesh Rice J. 25 (1) : 51-74, 2021

Doubling Rice Productivity in Bangladesh: A Way to Achieving SDG 2 and Moving Forward

Built on deep-rooted political and cultural heritage, ‘rice security’ is the foundation of ‘food security’ in Bangladesh. The country has been in production-surplus of rice in the current decade feeding over 165 million people. This on-going ‘selfsufficiency momentum’ would require to maintain to meet increased demand from growing future population. On developmental side, Bangladesh is placed among the three of the world’s fastest growing economies in the years through to 2050. Rice sector would need to match with the pace of this growth. In addition, agriculture sector, that includes rice, is to double the productivity as the government commits to meet the SDG goal 2.3.1. This study addresses those issues through scoping increased rice production and productivity in Bangladesh, developing a plan of work (POW) on translating the scope and designing implementation plans and actions, incorporating efficiency, resilience, stability and sustainability issues, to achieve the POW. The study has used brainstorming, and rigorous analysis to achieve the objectives. The productivity has been explained in terms of yield- and labour-productivity. The developed three-winged ‘doubling rice productivity (DRP)’ framework directs yield enhancement and production accumulation in unexplored spaces (Wing-1); increased adoption of mechanization to impact on labour productivity (Wing-2), and improvements in nutritional quality and rice-based product diversity, and stabilizing the farmgate price (Wing-3). Analyses show, from the baseline figure of 35.29 MT in 2015, rice production in the country can be raised to 46.90 MT in 2030, 54.09 MT in 2040 and 60.85 MT in 2050 with combined contributions of three pillars – yield improvements by enhanced varietal potential (Pillar 1), reduction in existing yield gap (Pillar 2) and production increase by exploring unexplored spaces for rice (Pillar 3) of Wing-1 of the DRP. This production will produce a surplus of 6.50, 10.29 and 13.65 MT in 2030, 2040 and 2050, respectively, over the production target (40.40, 43.80 and 47.20 MT in 2030 and 2050, respectively). Results further reveal that through scale-appropriate mechanization backed up by estimated fair price, labour productivity in rice will be doubled by 2029, meeting the SDG 2.3.1. Good number of released varieties have been identified to have specific nutritional trait, and value adding quality. We have emphasized on much needed actions on demand-driven research for varietal development and field-adoptable management, mechanization for transplanting and harvesting operations, accommodation of rice in unexplored spaces, farmer-based speedy seed multiplication and dissemination system, establishment of commission for agricultural costs and prices, input buffer stock terminals for managing production risk, long-term storage and export of surplus production, and research-publicity-market development for rice-based products through public-private partnership. It is concluded that efficiency, resilience and sustainability around the three wings of DRP in the rice production systems to be ensured to achieve the rice production, productivity and labour use estimates. Bangladesh Rice J. 24 (2): 1-47, 2021

Integrated Weed Management Strategies for Sustainable Rice Production in Bangladesh

Weed causes huge reduction in crops yield, increases cost of cultivation, reduces input efficiency, interferes with agricultural operations, impairs quality, act as alternate hosts for several insect and diseases .Yield loss due to improper weeding at farmer’s field ranged from 4 to 22% depending on different rice ecosystem in Bangladesh. But at present considering all the cultivable land across the country and other issues; yield loss due to weeds considered about 2% in a consultation meeting.The present weed control practices in Bangladesh are characterized by intensive use of manual labour, use of herbicide and certain mechanical weeding. Manual weeding, besides laborious is inefficient as it is not done in time in most of the cases and always not practical because of various adverse conditions. Cost effective and integrated weed management system should be adopted to increase economic gain and sustainable rice production. Adopting timely and effectively appropriate weed management techniques we can reduce a significant amount of yield loss and about 0.43 million ton (MT) additional yield could be increased by 2030. To achieve the target weed management should be done from the very beginning of rice production and up to 30-35 DAP (days after planting) for Aus season, 35-40 DAT (days after transplanting) for T. Aman season and 40-45 DAT for Boro season which indicates critical period of weed infestation in Aus, T. Aman and Boro season. The main approach is that rice field have to keep free from weed up to that days by 2/3 hand weeding (HW) or application of herbicide fb (Followed by) 1HW or applying weeder fb 1HW which is called integrated weed management. Herbicide should be applied at proper time and dose which reduce 61% weeding cost. Mechanical weeding (MW) reduces 50% weeding cost that keeps environment friendly. Future weed science research specially herbicide efficacy with correct time and dose, new molecule herbicide with low environmental effect, herbicide residues in soil plant system, bioherbicide, allelopathic variety, weed competetive variety, mechanical weeder with related technological developments need a multidimensional approach for ecologically sustainable integrated weed management. Such a system will work toward a socially permissible, environmentally sound, economically feasible, productive and sustainable agricultural system. Bangladesh Rice J. 24 (2): 133-159, 2021

Impacts of Climate Factors Influencing Rice Production in Bangladesh

This study aims to study the climate change pattern, assess the situation of climate change, finding the influences of climate change on the production of rice, estimating a model between climate change and rice production in Bangladesh. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Generalized Least Squares (GLS), Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) were used in this study to compare the results. This study included all 64 districts of Bangladesh with a time span from 2011 to 2018. It included panel data of the production of Aus rice, Aman rice, Boro rice as well as HYV of each rice (Aus, Aman, Boro) of 64 districts of Bangladesh for agricultural data, temperature, rainfall and humidity of 64 districts for climate data. This study estimates the stochastic production function formulated by Just and Pope (1978, 1979), which allows the effect of inputs on the mean yield to differ from that on yield variance. The results showed that increased climate variability, climate extremes; in particular, exacerbate risk on Rice production in Bangladesh. Rice yields are sensitive to rainfall extremes, with both deficient and surplus rainfall increasing variability. For 1% increase in annual total rainfall, Mean Yield will decrease by 0.139%, 0.141%, 0.132% in OLS, GLS and FGLS method respectively, if other variables remaining the same. For 1% increase in annual average percentage of humidity, Mean Yield increases by 1.352%, 1.340%, 1.362% in OLS, GLS and FGLS method respectively, if other variables remaining the same. for 1% increase in HYV area, Mean Yield increases by 0.831% in OLS, GLS and FGLS method, if other variables remaining the same. Additionally, climate inputs, non-climate input, high yielding variety seeds are found to increase average yield.