A Way Forward to Combat Insect Pest in Rice

The damage caused by insect pest is the continual factor for the reduction of rice production. To date, 232 rice insect pest species are identified in Bangladesh and more than 100 species of insects are considered pests in rice production systems globally, but only about 20 - 33 species can cause significant economic loss. The major goal of this study is to explore all the possible ways of developed and proposed technologies for rice insect pests management and minimize economic losses. Insect pests cause 20% average yield loss in Asia where more than 90% of the world's rice is produced. In Bangladesh, outbreak of several insects such as rice hispa, leafroller, gallmidge, stem borers and brown planthopper (BPH) occurs as severe forms. Based on previous reports, yield loss can reach upto 62% in an outbreak situation due to hispa infestation. However, BPH can cause 44% yield loss in severe infestested field. To overcome the outbreaks in odd years and to keep the loss upto 5%, it is necessary to take some preventive measures such as planting of resistant or tolerant variety, stop insecticide spraying at early establishment of rice, establish early warning and forecasting system, avoid cultivation of susceptible variety and following crop rotation. Subsequent quick management options such as insecticidal treatment for specific insect pest should also be broadcasted through variety of information systems. Advanced genomic tool can be used to develop genetically modified insect and plants for sustainable pest management. In addition, to stipulate farmers not use insecticides at early crop stgae and minimize general annualized loss, some interventions including training rice farmers, regular field monitoring, digitalization in correct insect pests identification and their management (example; BRRI rice doctor mobile app), and demonstration in farmers field. Each technology itself solely or combination of two or more or all the packages can combat the insect pests, save natural enemies, harvest expected yield and contribute to safe food production in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Rice J. 25 (1) : 1-22, 2021

Role of Training in Transferring Rice Production Technologies to Farm Level

Farmers' knowledge gap in modern rice cultural practice is the main cause of the existing yield gap in Bangladesh. Thus, this paper delineates; (i) the level of farmers’ knowledge gap; (ii) assesses the impact of training on changes in the farmers' skills, knowledge as well as technology adoption, and crop performance. Finally propose an approach for improving farmers’ skills on modern rice cultural practices through fruitful training. Secondary data, in particular, journal articles were reviewed and analyzed in the paper. From the analysis, we found that majority of the farmers (85%) belong to the medium level of the overall knowledge gap category. There was a significant increase in the knowledge and skills of farmers after undertaking the training. As a result, the rice yield of trained progressive farmers increased to 4.7 t ha-1 in 2012 from 3.1 t ha-1 in 2008. However, the rice yield of ordinary trained farmers increased to 3.7 t ha-1 in 2012 from around 2.6 t ha-1 in 2008. The traditional extension approach was less efficacious to improve farmers' knowledge gap and disseminate the rice production technologies to the farm level. Therefore, strengthening BRRI's capacity to provide seed to seed training to most of the DAE personnel to upgrade their skills on modern rice technologies is critically important. Besides, demonstrations based farmers training might be highly productive in transferring modern rice production technologies to the farmers. Bangladesh Rice J. 25 (1) : 111-120, 2021

Intensification of Cropping through Utilization of Fallow Period and Unutilized Land Resources in Bangladesh

Unavailability of suitable technologies including stress-tolerant cultivars, management options, irrigation facilities as well as extension supports are the key challenges for intensification of cropping through horizontal and vertical extension approaches. This study assesses the potential for increasing rice production through a horizontal extension approach. Historical and projected trend of area and production of rice, major cropping patterns and cropping intensity, as well as expert opinion, were the basis for extrapolation of the intensity of cropping by 2030. The analysis shows that about 1.52 M ha area with fallow period of the existing major cropping patterns and 0.65 M ha fallow land is potential for additional rice cropping. Resulting from that about 5.8 million tons additional rice can be added to total rice production in the country. An inclusion of a rice crop in certain percentage of the existing major cropping patterns, such as Boro-Fallow-T. Aman (25%), Boro-Fallow-Fallow (50%) and Fallow-Fallow-T. Aman (40%) may contribute, respectively 1.38 million tons, 1.57million tons and 0.80 million tons of rice in the total rice production. Besides, the addition of a certain percentage of cultural waste (50%), marshy land (25%), newly developed char land (50%), and Jhum (60%) and other extrapolation areas of Chittagong Hill Tract, respectively may contribute 0.4 million tons, 0.25 million tons, 0.34 million tons and 0.06 million tons rice in the total rice production. Strategic policy supports are required for implementing appropriate action plans to achieve the goals. Bangladesh Rice J. 25 (1) : 89-100, 2021

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

Strategy for Rice Disease Management in Bangladesh

Disease is one of the most limiting biotic factors that affects rice production worldwide. In Bangladesh, there are 10 rice diseases considered as major, which cause economic loss in farmers’ fields. Therefore, the aim of this article is to explore all the feasible avenues of technology deployment on rice disease management to restrict the disease infection at minimum level and thus minimize economic loss. The article is generated using data and/or infromation from published and unpublished works and incorporating authors’ experience. It is evident that periodically (odd year) a disease outbreak or epidemic occurred in Bangladesh such as blast. Under epidemic situation, research findings estimated a yield loss of up to 98% at the highest disease severity level of infection of blast. On the other hand, field survey indicated the highest of 65.4% yield loss from severly infected field with the disease. To overcome the epidemics in odd years and to keep the loss under economic threshold level, it is necessary to undertake preventive measures such as planting of resistant or tolerant varieties, use of disease-free seeds from healthy plants, use of balanced fertilizer where applicable, and following feasible crop rotations. Currently, it is urgent need for developing strong and precise weather-based disease-risk forecasting system at least one week’s lead time based on real-time weather data. Subsequent quick management options such as disease-specific fungicidal treatment should be communicated to all stakeholders using fast-delivery media such as TV channels and SMS could be efficient and effective ways to address the disease outbreak under epidemic situation. To address annualized yield loss, it is suggested to execute interventions like effective training to the root level (both for farmers and extension personnel) and conducting demonstration in farmers fields, regular field monitoring, digitalization in disease management sector, revive indigenous technologies as appropriate, and improving rice production system. To continously improve rice disease management sector, this paper has proposed an innovative action for three decades through to 2050 under the banner ‘Location, Variety and Disease Specific Smart Management’ on research, development and extension. Bangladesh Rice J. 25 (1) : 23-36, 2021

Adoption Lag Minimization for Increasing Rice Yield

Sustainable adoption of promising technology leads to increase yield and productivity of rice significantly. Yield gap reduction through minimization of adoption cycle of rice technologies is essential to increase food security of Bangladesh. Adoption of promising rice variety required 16±3 years to reach its adoption peak at farm level following the existing dissemination protocol. The specific objective is to find out the ways and means to curtail adoption lag of variety, management practices and rice based technologies for sustainable food security of Bangladesh. The study is accomplished accordingly by reviewing previous works completed on technology adoption; calculation and estimation of future seed demand and supply. Our findings reveal that the average yield gap between actual farm yield and potential farm yield is 20.7%. Seed retention and motivated farmers estimated from the frontline demonstrations of BRRI were 18 and 20%, respectively. Sufficient amounts (128 kg/variety) of breeder seed need to be produced by the concerned research organizations concurrently the variety release process. The seed will be used to execute action plan by setting up 64 adaptive trials (AT) in 64 districts to select location specific suitable variety(s) for rapid dissemination. In the 2nd and 3rd years, 256 kg quality seeds per variety will be required to conduct 128 AT/SPDP in 64 districts. The seed of farmers’ chosen variety(s) will be collected, stored, and marketed by the local seed producer or farmers group; and they will provide this information to the extension organization and BRRI. At least 10 to 20% seed selling information will be checked by the concerned scientist of BRRI every year and total seed selling data will be calibrated based on the checked data. Similarly, the next two years’ trial data will be collected from conducted trials and associated seed producer/dealer/farmers’ club/groups. Then, the concerned research institute will be able to provide a projection of diffusion rate and demand of newly released variety(s) compiling three years data. Based on the authentic reports, the concerned organizations will conduct block, frontline and follow-up demonstrations in collaboration with all the stakeholders. Action plan of research and extension; large scale frontline demonstration of the selected variety(s) with more stakeholders followed by field day, training, and workshop would be the key drivers for effective and sustainable dissemination of technology lead to reduce adoption lag effectively. Combined initiatives and integrated approaches need to be taken nationally to execute the adoption lag minimization plans and model for rapid dissemination of promising technology to doubling the rice productivity. Therefore, popularization and adoption of new technology would be possible within five to seven years instead of 16±3 years. Bangladesh Rice J. 25 (1) : 75-88, 2021

Management and Utilization Strategy of Water Resources for Rice Production

Declination of available water resources is threatening the dry season crop production in Bangladesh. Sustainable water management is crucial need to meet future food production. This study was aimed to determine futuristic water management strategy for rice cultivation. Both surface and groundwater is getting scarce in north-west region, whereas abundant of fresh surface water creating opportunities to irrigate dry season crops in south-central region. This study has outlined irrigation management for rice cultivation and groundwater utilization in water scarce area of north-west region. More than 75% of annual rainfall occurred during monsoon and crops other than monsoon often faced water shortage. Timely establishment of T. Aus rice on 01 May accounted average 183 mm supplemental irrigation for north-west and south-west region. Transplanting of T. Aman rice before 24 July found the low risk period of drought and gave about 1 t ha-1 yield advantage than late transplanting after 15 October. Supplemental irrigation in drought year gave up to 26% yield advantage than the rain-fed condition of T. Aman rice in experimental plot. Over exploitation of groundwater by famers for crop cultivation makes the groundwater status worsen. Farmers used 38% excess water than the actual requirement for Boro rice cultivation. For that annual groundwater withdrawal was higher than annual recharge causing groundwater level depletion in most of the districts. Groundwater table went below suction limit of shallow tubewell (STW) during dry season and thus it become unable to operate. Improved distribution system with plastic pipe, buried pipe could save about 25% of irrigation water. Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation method saved 20-25% water than farmer’s practice. Application of these on-farm water management technologies in Boro rice reduced water demand and made the groundwater balance positive as well as reduced the groundwater withdrawal pressure. On the contrary, irrigation with less saline surface water resources in river and canals of south central regions could expand Boro production and increased land productivity. Intervention of low lift pump with plastic pipe distribution in non-saline tidal areas could increase land productivity. Besides, trapped freshwater in to the canals inside the polders and re-excavation of these canals would make crop intensification. Thus, additional food production could help to achieve sustainable development goal and sustained food security. Bangladesh Rice J. 25 (1) : 37-50, 2021

Risk of Rice Cultivation under Current and Future Environment and Market

Risk is an inevitable feature of agriculture globally, and it might increase over time in the future. The study assesses the risk of rice cultivation in the three seasons under current and future conditions. The software programme @Risk version 7.6 was used to simulate the risk-return trade of rice cultivation in the three seasons in Bangladesh. The likelihood of having negative net income for the Aus (90%) and Boro (80%) rice was very high under the current market and environmental conditions. Besides, the chance of obtaining negative net income was notable for T. Aman (33%). Both the yield and price variation significantly contributed to the fluctuation of returns of rice production. However, with the current seasonal variation in yield, the probability of having negative net income for paddy rice was very low under the farmers’ expected price (Aman: 22.5 BDT kg-1, Boro: 25 BDT kg-1 and Aus: 24 BDT kg-1). The result indicates that only access to the fair price of the rough rice can ensure the economic sustainability of the rice production. Likewise, chances of having a negative net income of paddy rice in 2030 will be zero under the extrapolated yield (Aman: 5.3 kg ha-1, Boro: 6.3 kg ha-1 and Aus: 4.8 kg ha-1) and price (Aman: 31.75 BDT kg-1, Boro: 30.75 BDT kg-1 and Aus: 30 BDT kg-1). The findings indicate that rice cultivation in the three seasons will be economically sustainable, subject to achieving the expected genetic gain and ensuring access to the projected price. Thus, policy supports are needed to ensure farmers' access to a fair price, improve management practice, and strengthen research to enhance genetic gain for sustainable rice farming under future conditions. Bangladesh Rice J. 25 (1) : 101-110, 2021

Soil Health as Influenced by Fertilizer Management in Rice Based Cropping System

Nutrient management influences soil health and crop productivity. Sustained crop production re-quires specific nutrient management options after a certain period. The objectives of this investigation were to examine the effects of inorganic and organic fertilization on yields and soil carbon budget under rice based cropping patterns in Bangladesh. The research data and informationhave been gen-erated based on previouslypublished, unpublished sources and own concept.Omission of K or im-balanced K are more influential for reduction in grain yield up to 47% in Boro (dry) season but N was most limiting up to 35% in T. Aman (wet) season. With existing fertilizer rates for growing rice, the balances of N and K are always negative. Balanced chemical fertilizer (NPKSZn) can be an option for improving crop productivity and maintain soil quality. Net ecosystem carbon (C) balances are posi-tive when 3 t ha-1 cow dung (CD), 2 t ha-1 poultry manure (PM) and 2 t ha-1 vermicompost (VC) are used in combination with chemical fertilizers. Soil amendments with organic nutrient sources (rice straw, CD, PM, VC, legume crops) and rice based cropping patterns such as T. Aman-Mustard-Boro, Boro-Fallow-Fallow, Jute-T. Aman-Fallow, Wheat-Mungbean-T. Aman, Grass pea- T. Aus-T. Aman and Potato-Boro-T. Aman can be beneficial in improving soil C budget, soil nutrient ratio, total crop production and maintenance of environmental health that will meet SDGs goal. Bangladesh Rice J. 24 (2): 119-131, 2021

Increasing Rice Yield through Targeting Genetic Potentials by Rice Types

Bangladesh needs an average rough rice yield of 9.11 t ha-1 by 2050 which can not be achieved equally across all the geographic regions since the country has various ‘rice types’ with varying yield potentials. This paper focuses on strategic innovations for reaching the yield target by refining rice types. Based on rice ecosystems and the pressing needs, we divided rice areas of Bangladesh in 17 different types. We estimated year-wise land areas and allocated achievable yield targets for each of the rice types. Finally, we compared the target yields and the yields of top-yielding rice varieties in Bangladesh by 2020 across the rice types to understand the current status of our varietal improvement programmes. We sorted out how much improvement is needed in each rice types. Among the rice types, cold-tolerant (Northern and Western) was sorted out as the most potential area of rice yield improvement where rice varieties will be released having a yield advantage of 4.04 t ha-1 by 2050. The chronology of next priority areas for high yielding variety development and their target yield advantages in t ha-1 are saline Boro (4.03), Favourable Boro (long duration) (4), cold-tolerant (Haor) (3.83), tidal submergence (3.8), Healthier rice (Boro) (3.58), Favourable Boro (short duration) (3.33), Healthier rice (Aman) (3.3), Favourable Aman (3.23), Flash flood (3.09), upland rice (2.89), Saline Aman (2.8), Healthier rice (Aus) (2.53), Premium quality rice (2.53), drought (2.38), T. Aus (2.05) and deepwater. Combined genetic interventions like population improvement through cyclic breeding, genomic selection, marker-assisted selection, genome editing, genetic transformation, germplasm utilization through genome-wide association study and phenomics, and development of super hybrid rice are being used in the country to attain yield target for different rice types. Bangladesh Rice J. 24 (2): 67-82, 2021