A daylong consultative workshop highlighting the promise of genome editing in developing climate-resilient rice varieties was held Saturday (9th May) at the BRAC Agricultural Research and Development Centre in Gazipur on Saturday, aiming to strengthen Bangladesh’s future food and nutrition security.
The workshop, titled ‘‘Enhancing Rice Yield and Resilience to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses using Genome Editing’’ was organised under a special research project funded by the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences through the BAS-USDA-PALS programme.
The event brought together leading scientists, researchers, industry representatives and policymakers to discuss how advanced genome editing technologies can help Bangladesh confront the growing challenges of climate change and ensure sustainable agricultural production. The programme was chaired by renowned scientist and Bangladesh Academy of Sciences Fellow and Dean, Graduate studies of Gazipur Agricultural University Prof Dr Md Tofazzal Islam, who is also coordinating the project.
GKM Mustafizur Rahman attended the event as chief guest, while noted biotechnologist Haseena Khan joined as special guest. In their remarks, speakers described genome editing as a timely and transformative technology capable of addressing some of the country’s most pressing agricultural challenges.
They stressed that the development of rice varieties tolerant to salinity, drought, excessive rainfall and devastating crop diseases could open a new horizon for Bangladesh’s agriculture sector in the face of climate change. During the first technical session, seven principal investigators presented progress on their ongoing research activities.
Researchers from University of Dhaka, University of Rajshahi, Jahangirnagar University, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Gazipur Agricultural University, Independent University, Bangladesh and Supreme Seed Company Limited took part in the session.
The second technical session featured presentations on guide-RNA design, the application of genome editing in rice improvement, and biosafety issues related to the release of genome-edited crop varieties.
Researchers and experts also engaged in lively discussions on existing technological challenges and possible solutions for achieving the project’s targeted rice traits.
The workshop drew participation from nearly 40 local and international experts, scientists, industry representatives, PhD researchers and project members, including representatives Akidul Aziz an J. Arif from BRAC Seed, Dr. Afroza (Lal Teer Seed Limited), Dr. Ziaur Rahman (Tropic Biosciences, UK), Dr. Shahana, (Bangladesh Rice Research Institute), Washiq Faisal (CIMMYT), Dr. Tahmida from Dhaka University, Dr. Muslima (the National Biotechnology Institute) and so one.
Under the project, researchers are rapidly advancing the development of high-yielding, climate-smart rice varieties resistant to salinity, heat stress, lodging, blast disease and bacterial blight, while also requiring less fertiliser.
At the concluding session, participants outlined a coordinated action plan and strategic recommendations aimed at developing and commercialising genome-edited climate-resilient rice varieties in Bangladesh within the next three years. Emphasis was also placed on expanding collaboration between academic institutions and local and international industry partners.
Organisers expressed optimism that the combined efforts of academia and industry would pave the way for developing more resilient and productive rice varieties for farmers, ultimately playing a vital role in ensuring the country’s long-term food security.
