The scientists of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRR1) at Joydevpur. Gazlpur are very happy over their role tn helping the country attain self sufficiency In rice production

They are confident that in future they would be able to breed more hew kinds of rice and rice growing technology for the poverty stricken country.

The huge whirlpool of mixed research activities at the BRRJ over the past 23 years have developed 25 High yielding varieties of rice, a number of easy to-buy and repair farm machinery Including a hover craft-like hydro tiller. Indigenous pest control materials and modern farming techniques.

Ninety per cent of the total rice currently produced during the boro season now come from the modern variety rice seeds developed at the BRRJ.

The Institute has germplasm of some 6000 different kinds of rice plants In Its gene bank for preservation and research.

Speaking to a group of newsmen Saturday, the Director General of the BRRJ Dr. Shamsul Alam said that the Institution has taken up programmes like developing rice which could be grown In both saline and braktsh waters, rice which could resist pest attack, and those which could be reduced within a very short period of time.

The Agriculture Ministry organised the trip to the 175-acre BRRJ In Joydevpur to let the people know about the achievements of the organisation In the field of rice research.

Bangladesh now produces about 19 million tons of rice.

The country must produce about 50 million tons of rice by the year 2030 If It wants to feed Its growing population

Located about 33 kilometres off the capital, the BRRI was established In October 1, 1970 with an alm of conducting research on all aspects of rice.