The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) has developed a new high-yielding, salt-tolerant rice variety, BRRI Dhan 119, offering fresh prospects for rice production in the country's salinity-prone coastal regions.
Developed by BRRI's Plant Breeding Division with financial support from the Location-Specific Technology Development (LSTD) Project, the variety received final approval for transplanted Aman cultivation at the 116th meeting of the National Seed Board on October 28. It is also suitable for Boro cultivation, although final approval for the season is pending, researchers said.
The research team was led by Dr Mohammad Akhlasur Rahman, chief scientific officer of BRRI's Plant Breeding Division, with Dr Hasina Khatun, Nusrat Jahan, Armin Akter Setu and Ribet Farzana Disha as members.
BRRI Dhan 119 produces an average yield of 5.7 tonnes per hectare under suitable management conditions, with yields ranging from 4.8 to 7.6 tonns depending on salinity and environmental conditions. Research findings show that it produces approximately one tonnn more per hectare than BRRI Dhan 73. The variety has a growth duration of around 115 days and an average plant height of 113cm. Its strong stems make it resistant to lodging, while each panicle produces an average of 215 filled grains, around 70-80 more than BRRI Dhan 73. Its medium-slender, white grains produce fluffy, non-sticky rice when cooked.
One of its key characteristics is its ability to tolerate salinity at different growth stages. According to BRRI research data, it can withstand salinity levels of up to 12 deciSiemens per metre (dS/m) for three weeks during the seedling stage. It can also maintain yield potential at salinity levels of 8-10 dS/m during sensitive stages from vegetative growth to reproduction. Field trials in Cox's Bazar assessed its performance under fluctuating salinity conditions, while further evaluations were conducted in saline areas of Satkhira and favourable non-saline environments. Farmer-participatory trials were also carried out in different parts of the country. Researchers noted that actual yields would depend on salinity intensity, duration, crop growth stage and field management.
With a growth duration of around 115 days, the variety could help diversify cropping patterns in coastal areas. After harvesting Aman rice, farmers may have sufficient time to cultivate sunflower or salt-tolerant mustard on medium-high to high land
For Boro cultivation, Performance Yield Trials were completed at 20 locations across saline and non-saline environments under the supervision of the Seed Certification Agency. Based on the results, the National Technical Committee has recommended the variety for Boro cultivation. Final approval from the National Seed Board would allow farmers to grow it in both Aman and Boro seasons.
BRRI recommends sowing seeds between July 1 and July 30 for transplanted Aman cultivation. Seedlings aged 25-30 days should be transplanted, with two to three seedlings per hill and spacing of 20cm between rows and 15cm between hills. The recommended fertiliser doses per hectare are 234kg of urea, 87kg of TSP, 117kg of MOP, 78kg of gypsum and 12kg of zinc sulphate. The institute's Genetic Resources and Seed Division in Gazipur is responsible for seed production, while ensuring adequate supplies of quality seeds will be essential for expanding cultivation.
BRRI Director General Dr Rafiqul Islam said the variety demonstrated the advanced breeding capabilities of Bangladeshi agricultural scientists. "BRRI Dhan 119 will not only bring hope to farmers in salt-affected coastal areas but will also play an important role in strengthening our food security and increasing agricultural production and farmers' incomes," he said.
Dr Khandakar Md Iftekharuddaula , head of the Plant Breeding Division, described its development within seven and a half years as a significant achievement. Lead breeder Dr Mohammad Akhlasur Rahman said the research journey had been long and challenging, adding that seeing the benefits reach farmers' fields would be the team's greatest reward.
Dr Anwar Hossain, project director of the LSTD Project, said the variety was a significant achievement under the initiative. He added that BRRI Dhan 116, BRRI Dhan 117 and BRRI Hybrid Dhan 10 had previously been released under the project, reflecting its continued contribution to developing location-specific rice varieties for Bangladesh.
