The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Advanced Chemical Industries Limited (ACI) have partnered to build a state-of-the-art rice breeding programme in Bangladesh
The partnership aims to improve the lives of rice farmers through supporting better rice varieties and agricultural technologies. The collaboration will support a wide range of projects aimed to accelerate genetic research and advance breeding and product development for the Bangladesh rice ecosystem.
According to both companies, this agreement builds on the successful partnership developed between the two organisations through the hybrid rice development consortium (HRDC), started in 2014, which is a public-private partnership that enhances the dissemination of hybrid rice technology. HRDC, of which ACI has been a member since May 2014, was established at IRRI in 2008.
IRRI’s unique expertise and technology platform will be available to ACI in the form of an intensive technology-transfer programme, partially financed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
In addition, ACI will deploy specific elite varieties developed by IRRI that are suitable for Bangladesh agro-climatic conditions. A strong screening programme, developed by ACI with the help of IRRI specialists, will yield a robust pipeline of new elite varieties. ACI will be responsible for market introduction of the best varieties.
F.H. Ansarey, executive director for agribusiness of ACI, said, “We are pleased to partner with IRRI to address the need to improve the lives of rice farmers through better rice varieties and agricultural technologies, which ensure creating wealth for farmers.”
IRRI director general Matthew Morell added, “The objective of this collaboration with ACI is to facilitate higher rice yields, better quality, climate-change–tolerant varieties, and improved sustainability of rice production in Bangladesh.”
