Scientists have tested and identified improved and climate smart crop varieties and cropping patterns for the Charlands of Bangladesh. These improved crop varieties and cropping patterns, based on several socioeconomic and environmental factors and suitability testing, will not only increase the overall crop production of Bangladesh, but also increase the agricultural and farm income, and improve the livelihoods of the people residing in those areas.
The findings of the research were disseminated in a webinar titled “Rural livelihood, agricultural intensification, and climate change adaptation in the charlands of Bangladesh.” The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) have jointly implemented the Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research Program supported research project titled “Climate Change Adaptation of Rural Households in Charlands of Bangladesh. The project was funded by the National Academy of Science (NAS) and the USAID.
The pilot project was carried out in the period between 2018 to 2021 at Char Ganai, Kaunia under Rangpur district and Char Saula, Bauphal under Patuakhali district. The main research activities were to understand the socio economic situation and livelihoods of the inhabitants, analyze climate risks and vulnerabilities, and evaluate improved and climate-smart agricultural technologies and practices in the Charlands.
In the case of char Ganai, a total of sixteen crop types or varieties of four types of improved cropping patterns were tested under a pilot production program to maximize productivity using the existing resources of about 250 farmers in three years.
In the case of char Saula, researchers evaluated a total of eighteen types of crops or varieties and two improved cropping systems under a pilot production program to increase total productivity using the existing resources of 265 farmers in three years.
According to the Global Climate…