Scientists at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) have invented a highly suitable and affordable rice harvester - Combine Harvester.
Hailing the achievement at BRRI area in Gazipur on Friday, Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque said, “This is a remarkable achievement. Its rice harvesting capacity is comparatively high, suitable for use in small lands of the country.”
The cost of various combine harvesters in the South Asian countries, including Myanmar, is Tk 25-30 lakh but this will cost Tk 12-13 lakh. Besides, the harvest loss is also low, said the minister.
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“If we can produce the machine invented by BRRI locally and use it all over the country, then there will be a revolution in agricultural mechanisation in Bangladesh,” he said, adding that it will play a unique role in increasing agriculture products and making it more profitable.
Meanwhile, BRRI scientists said that the engine of their invented BRRI Whole Feed Combine Harvester was brought from abroad while the other equipment is locally made.
Its engine power is about 87 horsepower. And so, the machine can collect paddy in 3-4 bighas of land per hour. Fuel consumption is about 3.5-4 litres per hour.
Moreover, harvesting loss is less than one per cent.
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.
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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.
Outgoing Senior Secretary of the agriculture ministry Md Mesbahul Islam, his successor Md Sayedul Islam, Director General of BRRI Shahjahan Kabir, senior officials of the ministry and heads of agencies were present.