BRRI‑107: Bangladesh Unveils Protein‑Packed ‘Balam’ Rice to Fight Malnutrition
Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) has released BRRI‑107, a high‑yielding, premium‑quality Balam variety bred to boost dietary protein and improve the nation’s nutrition profile, officials announced.
Formally approved for nationwide cultivation in the 2024 boro season, BRRI‑107 rice contains 10.2 percent protein and 29.3 percent amylose, meaning a single serving of cooked rice can supply a meaningful share of daily protein requirements—critical in a country where cereal is the staple but malnutrition remains widespread.
“For Bangladesh’s large population, this variety can play a major role in curbing protein deficiency,” said Dr Amina Khatun, chief scientific officer at BRRI’s Gopalganj regional station.
High yield, low pest pressure
Field trials show the variety matures in about 148 days and produces 8.19 to 9.57 tonnes per hectare; Gopalganj plots averaged 8.75 t/ha. Researchers report BRRI‑107 suffers significantly less damage from common pests and diseases compared with existing varieties.
Local farmer Xavier Haldar, who sowed BRRI‑107 under guidance from Kotali Para agricultural officers, called it a success. “The high yield has been profitable, and many neighbouring farmers plan to plant it next season,” he said.
Manoj Kumar Mridha, sub‑assistant agriculture officer in Kotali Para, added that the Department of Agricultural Extension will spearhead scale‑up efforts, saying: “Wider adoption of BRRI‑107 will push Bangladesh closer to total food self‑sufficiency while improving household nutrition.”
