Hybrid rice producer SL Agritech Corp. signed on Saturday a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corp. (BADC) to extend the collaborative agreement on SL-8H F1 seed production.

“This is a collective effort on rice production to alleviate poverty,” said SL Agritech CEO Henry Lim Bon Liong.

Lim said the partnership with the BADC in propagating the SL8H variety in Bangladesh “has gained popularity and keeps expanding” despite their agro climatic condition, proving its tolerance to drought and salinity.

Right now, Lim said BADC is producing hybrid rice seeds in over 500 hectares under the agreement between SL Agritech and BADC.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said the development of hybrid rice is a big boost in the fight against climate change as stronger varieties are needed to feed the country’s growing population.

“The production of hybrid rice can also contribute towards achieving self-sufficiency in rice production for the country,” Dar said.

MD Sayedul Islam, agriculture secretary of Bangladesh, said his country is confident more partnerships in the future can be pursued by the two countries in food production.

Source: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2022/05/23/sl-agritech-inks-hybrid-rice-deal-with-bangladesh-agency/