Beating the Odds in Bangladesh

For generations, rice farmers across Bangladesh have battled against the odds — struggling with salt-soaked soils, long dry spells, floods that swallowed their fields, and cold snaps that stunted their crops. Each season brought new uncertainty, and for many families, rice harvests — the foundation of their livelihood — were no longer guaranteed.

That story is beginning to change.

Along the country’s southern coast, where the land and sea meet, fields once abandoned due to salt intrusion are turning green again. Scientists from the CRCIL–Salinity Breeding Team gathered more than 200 rice genotypes from across the globe to uncover the genes that help rice survive in salty environments. Through precise breeding and testing, they developed 32 new crosses and advanced over 24,000 progeny rice lines. These new salt-tolerant varieties are already giving farmers hope — transforming once-barren plots into thriving farmland.

In the drier regions, where cracked earth and vanishing ponds have long threatened food security, the CRCIL–Drought Program is offering a lifeline. By studying 420 rice germplasm, the team identified those that can flourish with minimal water. Their work led to nine successful crosses and over 43,000 rice lines are being tested. For farmers who used to watch their paddies wither under the sun, these drought-tolerant lines mean harvests they can count on, even when the rains don’t come.

In flood-prone areas, farmers are beginning to see resilience where they once saw ruin. Under the CRCIL–Submergence and Stagnant Flood Program, researchers — including a dedicated PhD scholar — are developing rice that will be able to survive under water for days. By analyzing 430 varieties through DNA sequencing, the team discovered key “flood-survival” genes and confirmed 14 new flood-tolerant crosses. Over 11,900 rice lines are being grown and tested, with some already showing promise in submerged fields. For many farmers, what used to be a yearly disaster is becoming just another season of growth.

Even in the cooler northern regions, where rice plants have traditionally struggled, change is underway. The CRCIL–Cold Tolerance Team identified 11 rice varieties that can handle low temperatures and developed nine new populations to pinpoint the exact genes that protect rice during cold snaps. By decoding the genome of a key variety, IR83222-F11-173, they’ve uncovered how rice can flower and thrive even in chilly climates. Farmers in these areas are now seeing green shoots where chilly temperatures once claimed their crops.

Combined, these breakthroughs are rewriting the future of rice farming. Where once the weather dictated survival, farmers are now cultivating resilience. Thanks to the tireless efforts of CRCIL scientists and their partners, rice is no longer a victim of the climate — it’s part of the solution. Fields that were once written off as lost causes are now symbols of adaptation and hope, ensuring food security and livelihoods for generations to come.