Rice production in the haor region is increasingly at risk due to climate change, jeopardizing one of Bangladesh’s primary sources of rice.
A large portion of Bangladesh's Boro rice—around 25%—comes from the haor region and its plains. The haor alone contributes 15% of the country’s annual rice production.
In addition to climate impacts, outdated irrigation and harvesting technologies and systemic inefficiencies in the rice value chain further threaten rice supply.
What are farmers saying?
Interviews with 10 to 12 farmers from the Panchrukhi area of Nikli Haor in Kishoreganj revealed that unpredictable floods, irregular rainfall, and droughts—driven by climate change—are disrupting expected paddy cultivation and yields.
The farmers emphasized the urgent need for climate-resilient rice seeds, better training in harvesting and threshing techniques, and access to modern agricultural machinery.
They also expressed concern over not receiving fair prices for their produce and called on authorities to provide effective solutions.
Farmer Moajjem Mia said: “In the past, floods occurred at predictable times, and we could prepare accordingly. But now, floods come earlier than expected. There’s a risk of flash floods at any moment. Then, during the dry season, crops suffer due to water shortages. Rice production has become very challenging.”
Another farmer, Shahabuddin, added: “The heat in the haor increases every year. Just as ripe grains are lost to flash floods, excessive temperatures prevent rice pollination and flowering. As a result, yields have been disappointing.
“We need eco-friendly machinery, proper irrigation, and improved seeds to sustain rice farming. Without these, rice production in the haor will decline further.”
Farmer Hiru Mia remarked: “The haor is known for rice cultivation. But climate change has reduced our yields. Although there’s water for six months and dry conditions for the other six, the ideal Boro rice growing season—April to May—is increasingly threatened by flash floods and extreme heat.
“Diseases like blast, neck blast, and leaf blast are also more frequent. On top of that, power outages during the dry season hamper proper irrigation.”
Farmer Altaf Haji said: “With support from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), we are now collecting seeds of improved rice varieties that yield well in a short time. But it’s not just about better yields—we also need an improved value chain, so no farmer is left behind. Encouraging new farmers to join is equally important.”
The Climate-Smart Rice Value Chain (CS-RVC) Project, led by IRRI and supported by philanthropic support from HSBC, aims to tackle these challenges by introducing scalable, context-specific solutions for the haor region.
The project is being implemented on the ground by Friends in Village Development Bangladesh (FIVDB), a local NGO.
To showcase these interventions, IRRI organized a Farmers’ Field Day in Pachrukhi, Nikli, Kishoreganj on Tuesday.
The event was attended by 150 farmers and over 40 stakeholders, including researchers, government officials, millers, and private sector representatives.
Making the rice value chain more climate-smart
The CS-RVC project addresses key issues such as limited access to improved rice varieties and quality seeds, low mechanization, post-harvest losses, outdated crop management practices, and limited awareness of agricultural innovations.
The project promotes improved varieties such as BRRI dhan96 (short duration), BRRI dhan101 (slender grain), BRRI dhan104 (aromatic), and BRRI dhan105 (low glycemic index).
It also introduces technologies such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation, crop clinics, and mechanized tools, and provides training for farmers to use these innovations.
Field discussions showed a preference for BRRI dhan96 over older varieties like BRRI dhan28 and 29 due to its early maturity and pest resistance.
Farmer Khairul Islam shared: “This is the first time we are trying AWD. It helps save electricity and reduces labor costs. We need more training and access to harvester machines.”
The project has also established community seed banks, enabling farmers to store high-quality seeds for timely access and reduced input costs.
Many farmers expressed enthusiasm for maintaining their own seed systems, contributing to biodiversity and long-term sustainability.
Rehana Noor, assistant manager (PCI) at IRRI, emphasized the project’s integrated, system-wide approach to addressing gaps in the haor rice value chain.
She highlighted initiatives such as crop cafeterias for varietal trials, seed banks for better seed access, educational crop clinics, and mechanization support tailored to local needs.
“By combining innovation with grassroots engagement, we aim to improve productivity, enhance climate resilience, reduce costs, and foster local entrepreneurship throughout the value chain,” she said.
The CS-RVC project, running from 2024 to 2027, covers five upazilas in Kishoreganj and Sunamganj districts and aims to benefit over 10,000 farmers.
IRRI and its partners will continue working with local communities to scale successful innovations.
Long-term planning
“Bangladesh’s food security heavily relies on Boro rice from the haor region, yet its farmers are the most vulnerable to climate and market shocks,” said Dr Humnath Bhandari, country representative, IRRI.
“We’re co-developing and scaling solutions with farmers to align research, community feedback, and institutional support for a resilient rice value chain,” he added.
Dr Md Rafiqul Islam, director (Research), Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), noted: “The haor is a highly productive region that significantly impacts national food supply. We need collaborative efforts from institutions and farmers to strengthen irrigation systems, improve seed access, and scale up mechanization.”
Echoing the need for integrated action, Dr Md Sadikur Rahman, deputy director, Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Kishoreganj, acknowledged the role of partnerships.
“Thanks to HSBC and IRRI for initiating this impactful project. As extension professionals, we are committed to helping farmers adopt new technologies and bridge the last-mile gap. DAE will scale up validated innovations,” he said.
He also urged IRRI to coordinate closely with DAE moving forward.
AKM Moniruzzaman, deputy director (Seed Production), Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), said: “This climate-smart project has introduced new machinery and better rice varieties. We are working to bring more improved seeds to the region to strengthen resilience.”
Syeda Afzalun Nessa, head of corporate sustainability, global sustainability at HSBC Bangladesh, said: “At HSBC, we understand the vital role of sustainable agriculture in ensuring food security and building resilient communities. As part of our philanthropic support for agriculture, we are proud to contribute to the Climate-Smart Rice Value Chain Project.
“It is inspiring to see how innovative practices showcased at the Farmers’ Field Day are empowering farmers to adapt to climate change and improve their livelihoods.”
Bazle Razee Mustafa, executive director of FIVDB, emphasized the region’s vulnerability, saying: “The haor is a monocropped, climate-sensitive area. In 2017, massive floods caused severe damage.
“This project arose from the need to build long-term resilience for rice farmers in the haor.”