Creditable Achievement of BD Scientists: New Rice Varieties Mitigate Monga
Monga (near-famine situation) is a seasonal food insecurity affecting poor farmers in ecologically vulnerable areas of North-West Bangladesh (Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha and Nilphamari districts), primarily caused by unemployment and lack of income preceding the aman harvest in the Bangla months of Ashwin and Kartik (mid-September to mid-November).
‘Monga’ will soon be relegated to the page of the history because of the outstanding achievements made by BRRI and BAU scientists in developing the three new rice varieties, namely, BRRI Dhan-33, BINA Dhan-7 and BU Dhan-1. These three varieties released recently, can be harvested during Monga period creating job opportunities for agricultural workers. This may also benefit the farmers doubly – a) lower production cost and (b) better sale price in the off-season, (cf. lower sale price during the peak harvest season of Aman in November-December). In addition, this will ensure continuous food security by early cultivation of vegetables and robi crops followed by planting of boro rice immediately after harvest of the new rice varieties. Please click here to read more.
