Adoption and Sustainability of BINA Released Salt Tolerant Rice Varieties: Impacts and Challenges

Abstract

A large portion of land in Bangladesh's coastal region is available for development purposes. As Bangladesh is highly dependent on rice as its main meal, rice production must be increased. The study was conducted in the coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat, which are situated in Bangladesh's agroecological zone 13. To identify the time-variant adoption growth rate of BINA-developed salt-tolerant rice varieties Binadhan-8 and Binadhan-10, indicating the sustainability of the new varieties. Using primary data, the benefits of variety development and its sustainability in adoption were examined. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed for the farm survey, involving 400 farmers who participated in the Binadhan-8 and Binadhan-10 variety extension program under the climate change adaptation program. The factors affecting the sustainability of adoption were identified using a simple time series econometric model. Results revealed that the adoption sustainability of two distinct salt-tolerant rice varieties, Binadhan-8 and Binadhan-10, was 23% and 38% per annum, respectively. These varieties may potentially maintain the highest yields, like the threshold before climate shocks appeared. Moreover, forecasting models of the adoption trajectory indicate continued and sustained growth in the uptake of these salt-tolerant varieties over time, reflecting their adaptability and relevance in the context of climate resilience.