Scientists at Bangladesh Agricultural University in Mymensingh have invented a new breed of paddy called Bau paddy-3 to prevent BLAST disease.
A young team led by Dr Md Lutful Hassan of the plant reproduction department has invented the breed.
Scientists feel that once new strain is grown across the country, there will be an agricultural revolution.
In 2015, Koulik fertilizer was brought from International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines and work began at the agriculture university to invent a new breed of BLAST resistant paddy.
From 2016 to the current year, the paddy was grown on an experimental basis at different areas of the country.
The production of this variety is encouraging. At the 100th meet of the national seed board, it won official approval.
Bangladesh Agriculture University Vice-Chancellor Dr Md Lutful Huq, said: “BLAST disease is the main problem for many farmers and it adversely affects production; BAU-3 will be popular since it will resist BLAST and other diseases too.”
Dr Ashraful Huq of the plant reproduction department said: “The rice from BAU-3 is tasty and can be cultivated as an early crop like Boro.”
Research assistant Dr Aleya Ferdousi, added: 'Inventing BAU-3 is a remarkable success for researches at the agriculture university and will benefit farmers. As its use increases across the country, there will be an agro revolution.”