Dhaka, Bangladesh (March 19, 2025) — The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Bangladesh, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in research and innovation, technology transfer, extension services, and capacity development in the rice-based agrifood systems in Bangladesh. The MoU signing ceremony, which took place at DAE Head Office, Khamarbari, Farmgate, Dhaka marked a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between IRRI and the Government of Bangladesh.
Under this MoU, IRRI and DAE will collaborate on research and development (R&D) projects to enhance the productivity of rice-based agri-food systems, promote climate-smart agriculture, and accelerate technology dissemination to smallholder farmers. The agreement focuses on scaling up climate-resilient rice varieties, promoting diversified cropping systems, improving seed systems, fostering agricultural mechanization, adopting sustainable farming practices, and providing capacity-building initiatives for farmers and extension professionals.
"Today marks a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between IRRI and the Department of Agricultural Extension. This MoU is not just a formal agreement, but a testament to our shared vision and commitment to advancing Bangladesh’s rice-based agri-food systems through research, innovation, and collaboration," said Dr. Humnath Bhandari, IRRI Representative for Bangladesh. “Together with DAE, we aim to accelerate the adoption of innovative and sustainable rice farming practices that benefit both farmers and the environment.”
Md. Saiful Alam, Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of this partnership, “With Bangladesh’s growing population, the demand for rice continues to rise every year. DAE and IRRI have a long-standing partnership in driving innovation in the country’s rice sector. This new MoU will strengthen our ability to integrate cutting-edge research and innovation into extension programs, ensuring that farmers have access to the most advanced technologies and sustainable practices to address emerging challenges and enhance their productivity and resilience.”
IRRI and DAE have a long history of collaboration in rice-based applied research, technology transfer, capacity development, and policy engagement. The partnership was formalized through the first Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) in 2002, which laid the foundation for scientific and technical cooperation in rice research and extension. Over the years, IRRI and DAE have jointly implemented major initiatives, including STRASA, which have contributed significantly to rice sector development. Through STRASA, the partnership provided 19 metric tons of BRRI dhan51 and BRRI dhan52 seeds to farmers, helping them adapt to stress-prone environments and increase productivity.
Senior officials from IRRI and DAE attended the signing ceremony.
Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in its rice sector, increasing national production from 15 million tons in 1971 to over 55 million tons in 2024. However, climate change, resource constraints, and market dynamics continue to pose challenges. This MoU aims to address these issues through scientific advancements and collaborative efforts.
Key Areas of Collaboration
As part of this agreement, IRRI and DAE will jointly implement initiatives focusing on:
- Climate-smart rice research and development to enhance resilience against floods, droughts, and salinity.
- Strengthening seed systems and farmer networks to ensure quality seeds reach smallholder farmers.
- Promoting sustainable mechanization and digital innovations to improve efficiency and reduce labor-intensive farming.
- Capacity building for extension officers and farmers to bridge knowledge gaps and accelerate technology adoption.
- Bridging research with real-world agricultural applications through policy support and farmer-centric innovations.
This MoU paves the way for future collaborations, with plans to expand research, pilot new agricultural technologies, and strengthen farmer advisory services. Both organizations will continue working towards a resilient and food-secure Bangladesh.
This collaboration aligns with Bangladesh’s vision for agricultural transformation and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing the country’s progress toward climate-smart and resilient farming systems.