Abstract:
Bangladesh is famous for its rice heritage and wide diversity. This rice diversity
is declining rapidly since the introduction of modern varieties. Yet about one fifth of rice
growing areas of the country is cultivated by local varieties. Statistics reveal that in 2011-2012
fiscal years, contribution of local varieties to country's total rice production was about nine
percent. It proves that local rice varieties are contributing towards cereal self-sufficiency as
well as food security of the country. Moreover, some studies suggest that local rice varieties
offer solutions to numerous climate change impacts. However, the importance of local rice
varieties has not been assessed holistically from the perspective of sustainable agriculture
including climate readiness. Based on expert interview, focus group discussion with
community people and document analysis, this qualitative study aims to explore the prospects
and barriers of promoting local rice variety for sustainable as well as climate resilient
agriculture. It has been found from the analysis that local varieties are now cultivated only in
those areas where the farmers have no other varietal options. Farmers also cultivate local
varieties to avoid loss and it requires lower level of investment. However, negligible research,
policy and extension supports are available for farmers to use local rice variety. The study,
which has implications for researchers and practitioners promoting sustainable agriculture,
argues that more areas should be brought under rice if desired varieties of local rice seeds
can be ensured.
