Bangladesh firm inks deal for Philippine developed rice hybrid.

Philippine-based rice research company SL Agritech Corp. on Wednesday signed a collaboration agreement with Bangladesh firm EnP Solutions Ltd. for the seed production of SL-18H variety of hybrid rice. SL-18H is a high-yielding rice hybrid which could withstand both dry and wet climate. SL Agritech will sell 20 to 50 tons of SL-18H hybrid rice seedlings to EnP Solutions annually. This will cover 5 to 10 hectares of rice fields. With 163-million population and decreasing scope of arable land, the rice hybrid is expected to increase Bangladesh rice production.