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Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) has made a major breakthrough in sustainable agriculture by developing a chemical- and pesticide-free method for cultivating rice. The innovation, led by Associate Professor Dr. Azizul Haque of the university’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, aims to increase rice yields while reducing farmers’ dependence on harmful agrochemicals.
According to HSTU’s Director of Public Relations Md. Khademul Islam, Dr. Haque and his research team achieved this success by experimenting with six rice varieties, including BRRI-28, BRRI-29, BRRI-92, BRRI-34, and Jirashail. The technique uses plant-friendly endophytic bacteria that promote plant growth and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Traditionally, varieties like BRRI-28 and BRRI-34 are highly vulnerable to diseases like rice blast, which often require multiple pesticide applications—sometimes even just 15 days before harvest. This not only reduces yields by 20–30% but also compromises rice quality and drives up production costs due to heavy use of urea fertilizer. These costs, in turn, increase the burden on government subsidies and national gas consumption used in fertilizer production.
To address these issues, HSTU researchers are applying biofertilizers enriched with endophytic bacteria that enhance plant health naturally. These bacteria boost the plant’s root, stem, and leaf growth while fixing nitrogen from the atmosphere, which allows for a 50–70% reduction in urea usage. They also produce auxin hormones and ACC deaminase enzymes, which further stimulate plant growth and stress resistance.
Field trials have shown remarkable results. By applying the bacteria and limiting chemical use to just one application during the first month of planting, BRRI-28 rice yields increased by 50–55%. In addition, the rice straw became stronger and healthier due to improved cellulose content, making the plants more robust.
The research also showed a 25–30% yield increase in BRRI-34 rice. The quality of rice improved significantly, with fewer broken grains and fuller rice ears. Additionally, the rice reached harvest maturity earlier than usual—an advantage especially for farmers in flood-prone haor regions.
Dr. Azizul Haque noted, “Our primary goals are to reduce reliance on chemicals and pesticides, enhance yield, and improve rice quality. This bacteria-based method is safe for human health and offers a cost-effective solution for farmers.”
The research team didn’t just stop at the biological discovery—they also developed new techniques and technology to produce the bacteria more efficiently, making large-scale application easier and affordable. Mechanical engineering students Tanvir, Shahriar, Mehedi, and Rokon played key roles in developing the technology for on-site bacterial production, allowing farmers to create and apply it themselves at minimal cost.
This research initiative was funded by HSTU’s Institute of Research and Training (IRT). Recently, IRT Director Professor Dr. S.M. Harun-ur-Rashid, along with Agriculture Faculty Dean Professor Dr. Bidhan Chandra Halder and other senior academics, visited the experimental fields. They observed firsthand the significant yield difference between fields treated with the biofertilizer and those using conventional chemical inputs.
“We were very satisfied with the field results,” said Dr. Harun-ur-Rashid. “The response from farmers has been overwhelmingly positive. We expect even more interest in this sustainable rice cultivation method in the upcoming season.”
