External review mission report, November 12-23, 1984 : rice research and training project, phase II, 1981-85

External review covers the period 1981-11/84 and is based on site visits and discussions with staff from the BRRI and related institutions, extension personnel, and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA). During its second 5-year plan, BRRI has steadily developed its professional capacities and physical facilities. Its major accomplishment has been increasing national food production through the development of high-yielding rice varieties which can be harvested in the spring. Other accomplishments include the development of cropping systems that make more intensive use of land without increasing exposure to risk; and the identification of major soil deficiencies and suitable low cost treatment. Also, improved varieties for deepwater areas are being considered for research. Immediate publication of BRRI's last four annual reports is urged. Staff development and training activities are on schedule; overseas staff training has slightly disrupted research activities. Weak management and the need to develop research priorities have been BRRI's most serious problems. The package approach to farm recommendations has not targeted technologies to the specific needs of farmers. It is recommended that BRRI determine research objectives and target groups, focus research on farmers' physical, socioeconomic, and cultural milieus, analyze the possible impact of proposed technology before research, and develop monitoring and follow-up systems. Another major problem is the inadequacy of the staffing and facilities at BRRI's regional research stations. Other problems include: the lack of commitment to on-farm research in almost every BRRI division; the inadequate development of linkages with other Bangladeshi research entities; the inadequate number of trained extensionists; the weakness of the Economics Division; and the failure of BRRI's Board to meet in the last 2 years. The team endorses the proposal to extend the project to 6/86, but with more emphasis on upgrading regional stations than proposed.