A Japan-supported project has introduced flood-tolerant, short-duration rice varieties in Sunamganj’s haor region, aiming to cut crop losses and stabilise farmer incomes amid rising climate risks, according to a press release.
ASED Habigonj is implementing the initiative under the ENRICH Project with funding from Share the Planet Association Japan and the Japan Fund for Global Environment.
The haor region, one of Bangladesh’s most important rice-producing zones, faces frequent disruption from early flash floods, erratic rainfall and prolonged waterlogging, often wiping out crops before harvest.
Eight demonstration plots have been set up across Purbo Pagla and Pashchim Pagla unions in Shantiganj Upazila, each covering about one bigha or roughly 28 decimals of land and involving eight farmers.
Participating farmers include Sadik Mia from Mahmudpur cultivating BRRI Dhan-92, Benu Ranjan Das from Damodartapi growing BRRI Dhan-67, Matiur Rahman from Pithapoi and Abdus Sabur from Khudirai both cultivating BRRI Dhan-92.
In Pashchim Pagla, Monindra Sutradhar from Shatrumardan is cultivating BRRI Dhan-92, Jabed Nur from Brahmangaon growing BRRI Dhan-67, Abu Mia from Hossenpur cultivating BRRI Dhan-92, and Roshan Ali from Nidhanpur growing BRRI Dhan-108.
Farmers in the area depend largely on Boro rice, but upstream hill torrents regularly trigger sudden flooding, leaving little time to recover investment or secure yields.
The project has introduced improved varieties including BRRI Dhan-67, BRRI Dhan-92 and BRRI Dhan-108, which mature earlier, tolerate flooding and offer higher yields.
Project officials said the demonstration plots allow surrounding farmers to observe crop performance directly, including growth, yield and resistance, driving interest in adopting improved practices.
Farmers have also received training on land preparation, seed selection, transplantation, fertiliser use and pest management, alongside regular field visits where project staff provide solutions and technical guidance.
BRRI Dhan-67 matures within 145 to 150 days, allowing harvest before early floods, while BRRI Dhan-92 produces larger panicles and higher yields within 156 to 160 days.
BRRI Dhan-108 matures within 149 to 151 days and is known for stronger plant structure and lower susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Farmers said traditional varieties often fail due to early flooding, while the improved varieties show better growth and resilience under local conditions.
Many farmers are now visiting the plots regularly to monitor crop development, increasing confidence in adopting the improved varieties in future seasons.
Project officials said short-duration and flood-tolerant crops are critical for the haor region, where the cultivation window remains limited and climate risks are intensifying.
They said the initiative combines improved seeds with technical support to build long-term adaptation capacity and reduce vulnerability to climate shocks.
Officials said the demonstration plots offer a scalable model to improve productivity, strengthen livelihoods and support food security in vulnerable rural areas.
