Agrilife24.com:The Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), has introduced a digital seed demand forecasting tool to improve planning and ensure timely access to quality rice seeds. This innovation addresses long-standing challenges in matching supply with actual farmer demand and aims to build a more inclusive, data-driven seed system.
Supported by the World Bank under the PARTNER program and coordinated by APCU, the initiative was formally launched at a multi-stakeholder inception workshop in Dhaka. The tool uses localized, demand-based data to minimize supply mismatches, promote efficient distribution, and support climate-resilient planning.
IRRI, the technical lead for the initiative, will work with BADC to co-develop the tool through gap analysis, system design, and predictive analytics. Stakeholders including BRRI, DAE, seed dealers, and farmers, emphasized the importance of collaboration, real-time data, and inclusivity in transforming Bangladesh’s seed system.
Once developed, the tool will also serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and donors driving evidence-based decisions and strengthening food security.
