Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) has invented a suitable combine harvester which farmers can afford at less than half of the cost of imported one.
The rice harvester can also be used in small plots of land. The farmers can buy it at Tk 1.2-Tk 1.3 million while imported one costs Tk 2.5-Tk 3.0 million.
The information was revealed at a programme organized by BRRI on Friday before the inauguration of a five-storey building in Gazipur.
Agriculture minister Dr. Md. Abdur Razzaque, outgoing senior secretary Md Mesbahul Islam, newly appointed agriculture secretary Sayedul Islam, director general of BRRI Shahjahan Kabir, and additional agriculture secretary Hasanuzzaman Kallol spoke among others, said a BRRI press release.
The agriculture minister said, "If we can use harvesters across the country, it can lead to a new revolution of mechanisation in the country."
It will play a unique role in increasing agricultural production and making agriculture profitable, he added.
BRRI officials said the newly invented harvester is farmer-friendly as it can also be used in small plots of land.
Its engine power is 87 horsepower which can cut paddy on 3.0-4.0 bighas of land per hour.
Fuel consumption is 3.5-4.0 litres per hour and harvesting loss is less than one per cent. And it will cost Tk 1.2 million to Tk 1.3 million a unit.
UNB adds: BRRI scientists also said it's better than any combine harvester imported from abroad.
Later, the minister inaugurated a new five-storey residential building 'BRRI Shramik Colony Bhaban' for BRRI workers at BRRI Chattar.
He said agricultural workers have an important contribution in inventing new varieties of crops and technologies. The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute has been able to invent hundreds of high yielding rice varieties in the country thanks to talented scientists and agro workers, which are making a significant contribution to the food security of the country.
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took various initiatives for the housing of working people marking the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
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