Bangladesh Rice Research Institute BRRI

History and Founding

The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) was established on 1 October 1970 as the East Pakistan Rice Research Institute (EPRRI) at Joydebpur, Gazipur, approximately 36 kilometers north of Dhaka. Following Bangladesh's independence in 1971, it was renamed BRRI through the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Act of 1973 (Act X of 1973), becoming an autonomous body under the Ministry of Agriculture. Subsequent legislation in 1996 and 2017 further refined its governance structure, with a Board of Management chaired by the Director General.

Research Collections and Holdings

BRRI maintains a modern germplasm bank containing approximately 7,500 rice accessions, including nearly 5,000 local varieties. The institute operates 20 major laboratories, 10 greenhouses, 10 net houses, and an experimental farm of 76.83 hectares at its Gazipur headquarters, supplemented by 17 regional stations and 6 satellite stations across Bangladesh. BRRI has developed over 121 high-yielding rice varieties since its establishment, including stress-tolerant, nutrient-enriched, and aromatic varieties.

Publications and Knowledge Dissemination

BRRI publishes scientific research through journals, technical bulletins, and digital platforms. Its Rice Knowledge Bank (knowledgebank-brri.org) provides free online access to research outputs and extension materials. The institute has published more than 329 books, booklets, and extension materials and trained over 151,581 scientists, farmers, and extension agents. It has developed mobile applications including the BRRI Rice Doctor for farmers and extension workers.

Access and Usage

BRRI's library and digital resources are accessible to researchers, students, and agricultural planners. The institute maintains active collaborations with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and bilateral donors including Canada, Japan, the UK, and the United States.