Developed by the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), these varieties mark the 115th and 116th additions to the institute's portfolio, according to a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture.
The decision was made at the 111th NSB meeting held on Tuesday, with Agriculture Secretary Dr Wahida Akter chairing the proceedings.
BRRI Director General Dr Md Shahjahan Kabir and officials from relevant ministries and departments were also present.
BRRI dhan 107, a premium quality Boro Paddy of the high-yielding 'Balam' variety, was chosen through a pure line selection process in 2015 from farmers' fields.
After three years of successful yield testing, the selected genetic row underwent further testing in BRRI research fields in 2019, BRRI regional offices in 2020, and farmers' fields across various agricultural regions of Bangladesh.
The NSB approved the release of BRRI dhan 107 based on its satisfactory performance in the proposed variety yield test (PVT) established by the Seed Certification Agency in 2022.
This variety, now designated as Lata Balam, is endorsed as a premium quality, high-yielding Balam variety for cultivation nationwide.
BRRI Dhan 107 has an average plant height of 103 cm, a lifespan of 143 days (similar to BRRI dhan 50), and an average yield of 8.19 tonnes per hectare. With proper care under favourable conditions, it can achieve a yield of up to 9.57 tonnes per hectare.
The newly approved variety, BRRI dhan 108, is authorised for cultivation nationwide during the Boro season.
This variety, with a grain type similar to 'Jeera' variety, has a lifespan of 149-151 days.
Developed with farmers' interests in mind, BRRI dhan 108 combines high yield and fine grain, boasting an average yield of 8.7 tonnes per hectare.
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