In the last two decades, an ever-increasing frequency of floods, droughts and cyclones have caused extensive economic damage and have impaired livelihoods in Bangladesh. Agriculture, a key economic sector accounting for nearly 20 per cent of GDP and 65 per cent of the labour force, is greatly at risk. Adapting to and mitigating the effects
March and April are the driest months in Bangladesh. During this time, up to 880,000 hectares of land is left fallow because of the intrusion of saltwater into the soil.
Bangladesh is benefiting from new research into how to make this land productive during the dry season. Using simple drip irrigation technology on raised planting beds,
Losses to crops can also come from excess water rather than drought or damage from pests.
In areas prone to flooding, the development of ‘waterproof rice’ could make a dramatic difference.
Scientist at IRRI have identified a gene which allows rice plants to withstand be submerged for two weeks without damage. The gene has already been transferred
