BRRI-invented harvester to cost half of imported ones

Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) researchers have invented an affordable combined harvester that will cost 50 per cent less than foreign ones.

Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque observed the invention at BRRI in Gazipur on Friday and described it as a remarkable achievement.

“The BRRI-invented machine’s rice harvesting capacity is comparatively high. It is suitable for use in small croplands of our country,” he said.

He said combined harvesters in South Asian countries, including Myanmar, usually cost Tk 25-30 lakh, but the one invented by BRRI would be available at Tk 12-13 lakh. “Harvest losses are also low.”

The minister also said there would be a revolution in agricultural mechanisation if the BRRI’s harvester could be manufactured locally and used all over the country.

It would play a unique role in increasing agricultural products and making those more profitable, he further said.

The institute’s scientists said the engine of the BRRI whole feed combined harvester had been imported while other equipment had been locally made.

It has an 87-horsepower engine and can harvest paddy in three to four bighas of land per hour. Its fuel consumption is about 3.5-4 litres per hour.

BRRI scientists said it is better than any other imported combined harvester.

The agriculture minister also inaugurated a new five-storey residential building named “BRRI Sramik Colony Bhaban” for the institute’s workers.

He said agricultural workers have an important contribution to inventing new varieties of crops and technologies. “BRRI has invented hundreds of high-yielding rice varieties, thanks to talented scientists and agro workers who are making a significant contribution to the country’s food security.”

BRRI Director General Shahjahan Kabir, outgoing Senior Secretary of the agriculture ministry Md Mesbahul Islam and other senior officials, and heads of different agencies were present.