BRRI holds workshop on LSTD project progress

The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) organised a workshop titled “Implementation Progress 2025-26 and Action Plan 2026-27” under its Development of Location-Specific Rice Varieties and Technologies through Establishment of Six New Regional Stations and Upgradation of Existing Research Facilities (LSTD) project at the BRRI auditorium in Gazipur on Saturday.

Secretary (Routine Charge) of the Ministry of Agriculture Dr Rashida Ferdouse, NDC, attended the workshop as the chief guest.

Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and BRRI Director General (Routine Charge) Ms Afsari Khanom presided over the function.

Additional Secretary (Planning Wing) of the Ministry of Agriculture Mirza Ashfaqur Rahman attended the event as the guest of honour.

BRRI Director (Research) Dr Md Rafiqul Islam and Director (Administration and Common Service) Dr Aminul Islam were present as special guests.

Project Director of the LSTD Project and Principal Scientific Officer of BRRI’s Farm Machinery and Postharvest Technology Division, Dr Md Anwar Hossen, presented the keynote paper highlighting the project’s implementation progress during 2025-26 and outlining the proposed action plan for 2026-27.

He informed the workshop that three new rice varieties-BRRI dhan116, BRRI dhan117 and BRRI Hybrid dhan10 have been developed and released under the project.

These varieties are expected to contribute significantly to rice production in the saline and waterlogged areas of the country’s southwestern region.

Dr Hossen also said that an additional 10 acres of land had been acquired during the 2025-26 fiscal year under the project.

The technology villages established under the project have served as centres for demonstration plots, farmers’ training, the use of modern agricultural machinery, and strengthening research-extension linkages.

Rice gardens have been established in these villages during the Aus, Aman and Boro seasons.

The initiative has facilitated direct interaction between farmers and researchers, thereby accelerating the adoption of modern agricultural technologies.

The open discussion session on the keynote paper was moderated by BRRI Director General Ms Afsari Khanom. Participants exchanged views on the project’s achievements, ongoing activities, challenges and future priorities.