With lower water requirements and reduced cultivation costs, these high-yielding, disease-resistant rice varieties are gaining popularity among local farmers. Their expansion is playing a significant role in easing the growing pressure on underground water resources. Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said the Barind region is currently facing an acute water crisis. In response, farmers are being encouraged to cultivate these water-efficient BINA varieties to reduce dependency on groundwater. "These rice varieties are showing promising results in Barind. They are not only drought and disease-resistant, but also cost-effective, making them an ideal choice for this climate-challenged area," said DAE Deputy Director Dr Yeasin Ali. Farmers echo the same sentiment. Abdul Karim, a farmer from Gomostapur upazila, shared his...