Khulna’s LSTD (Location Specific Technology Development) project is reshaping the future of agriculture in the region through its technology villages.
Bangladesh’s agriculture is more than just food production; it underpins the economy, food security, employment, and rural livelihoods. Rice cultivation is deeply entwined with the life, culture, and economy of millions of families across the country.
However, farmers now face new challenges. Climate change, erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, labour shortages, high wages, increasing production costs, and shrinking arable land complicate food security. Coastal salinity, prolonged waterlogging in haor regions, flash floods in hilly areas, and drought in the north further strain rice cultivation.
To tackle these challenges, the Ministry of Agriculture, through the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), is implementing the LSTD project, which establishes six regional offices and 15 technology villages nationwide. These villages showcase region-specific rice varieties, modern farming technologies, mechanisation, and improved crop management practices.
In the southwest, the BRRI satellite station in Khulna has set up a technology village on 100 acres in Boyarvanga, Botiaghata. Farmers receive hands-on training in modern rice cultivation, balanced fertiliser use, efficient water management, pest control, and machinery operation. Field research addresses local conditions and farmers’ needs to develop practical and scalable technologies.
A key feature is the “Rice Garden,” where 58 of 61 Boro-season rice varieties developed by BRRI are displayed in a single field. These include high-yielding BRRI dhan100, 102, 108, 116, 118, salt-tolerant BRRI dhan67, 97, 99 for coastal areas, aromatic BRRI dhan104, diabetic-friendly BRRI dhan105, and blast-resistant BRRI dhan114. Farmers can observe growth, yield, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability in real time.
Experts highlight BRRI dhan67 and 99 as promising for saline-prone soils, while BRRI dhan105 offers options for health-conscious and diabetic consumers. Aromatic BRRI dhan104 can contribute to high-value rice markets, and zinc-rich BRRI dhan100 and 102 enhance nutrition while offering economic benefits.
Blast disease is a major threat to rice production, making BRRI dhan114 a crucial alternative. High-yielding BRRI dhan108 and BRRI hybrid dhan8 have generated considerable interest, especially under the region’s multiple-cropping systems. Observations show BRRI hybrid dhan8 can yield over 100 maund per acre under optimal conditions.
The technology village also provides integrated demonstrations of modern techniques, balanced fertiliser use, water management, pest management, mechanisation, and environmentally friendly farming. Field research continues to develop practical, scalable technologies based on local conditions.
Farmers have already reported success. Dipto Goldar harvested 10.5 maunds of rice from just five kathas, noting lower costs and higher profits. Narayan Biswas said mechanised transplanting and harvesting reduced labour and production costs while improving yield. Subir Biswas highlighted a 30–40 per cent saving in urea using bio-coated fertiliser, alongside higher output.
Md Anwar Hossain, LSTD project director, said the village allows farmers to directly observe the performance of varieties and technologies, accelerating adoption.
Md Sazzadur Rahman, chief scientific officer of BRRI Khulna, added the site offers research, demonstration, and field evaluation of salt-tolerant, nutrient-rich, high-yielding, and multi-stress-tolerant rice varieties. Farmers also learn modern crop management, balanced fertiliser application, water efficiency, and mechanisation, reducing risk and increasing output.
Khulna scientists Bilal Hossain noted the village serves as a platform for knowledge exchange among researchers, extension staff, and farmers. Results reach farmers quickly, enabling rapid dissemination of new varieties and techniques. Field days, farmer gatherings, training, and technology exhibitions ensure regular engagement. Seeds, fertilisers, machinery, pest management tools, and technical support are provided from planting to harvest.
The technology village aims to become a model agricultural village, eventually expanding to upazila, district, and national levels. The initiative promotes climate-resilient, modern, and sustainable agriculture, ensuring long-term food security and improving farmers’ socio-economic status. Batiaghata’s technology village in Khulna has evolved into a comprehensive platform for research, innovation, training, and extension, serving as a replicable model for other regions.
