RRDI is the Sri Lanka’s principle research station to conduct research on improvement of rice crop, management of crop related environmental pressures and development of methodologies for physical requirements of crop growth. The institute is located at Bathalagoda  (Kurunegala district). There are 7 sub stations established under the RRDI, namely, Ambalantota, Bombuwala, Labuduwa, Benthota, Sammanthurei, Paranthan, and Murunkan.

The institute is administered by the Director  (Rice Research and Development), and he is responsible for overall research and administrative functions of the Institute whereas Deputy Directors (Research) at Batalagoda, Bombuwela and Ambalantota are responsible for the management of research activities at the respective centers/stations. Similarly, research activities at Bentota, Labuduwa, Samanthurei, Paranthan and Murukan are administered by Assistant Directors of Agriculture (Research) in charge.

The Institute continues to play a major role in the country’s rice sector by releasing new high yielding rice varieties and introducing improved rice production technologies to help farmers realize the yield potentials of their respective areas. The research and development program at RRDI focuses on increasing farm productivity from current 4.3 t/ha to 5.0 t/ha within the next 5 years while reducing cost of production and improving grain quality of rice.

In an effort to attain a quantum jump in rice yields, rice breeding program has been focused to develop varieties with a few tillers, sturdy culm and heavy panicles – a plant architecture designated as the new-plant type. Both traditional varieties and introduced lines from International Rice Research Institute are used in the breeding program. In addition, a special attention is given to strengthen hybrid rice research.

Efforts are made to develop techniques that will help increasing rice plant’s nutrient use efficiency. Need base fertilizer application methods are being tested. This would help maximizing effectiveness of fertilizers applied and thereby to reduce cost of production. Other agronomic practices to reduce production costs are also being tested.

The Rice Research and Development Institute (RRDI) strives to bring about self-reliance in rice despite changes in trade policies that adversely affect the rice growers. It pursues this goal by consistently developing technology for obtaining high yield with excellent quality. DOA’s achievements in the rice sector over the last 50 years, we see a ten-fold increase in rice production and a five and-a- half-fold increase in average yields one observed. The increase in yield per unit area can be attributed to large-scale adoption of improved production technologies.

At present the the production of rice can meet the country’s consumer demand. However, to meet the growing needs of the increasing population, and developing industrial and other uses of rice as raw material and inputs, it is necessary to improve productivity in the future. This is a serious challenge as several biotic, abiotic and social factors continue to limit the productivity, and we are forced to increase rice production with less land, labor and water and limited use of chemicals.

The RRDI, therefore, continues to strengthen research and development activities  on varietal improvement, soil fertility and its sustainability, pest, disease and weed management, post-harvest and grain quality and production technologies.

History

Batalagoda, an ancient village located in Hiriyala, Hathpaththuwa (Kurunegala district). The ancient irrigation tank that provided irrigation water to the area including Batalagoda village was in a dilapidated condition and was improved by Mr. Parker, an engineer, in 1902. As a result, water supply to the area was assured enabling cultivation of paddy in the irrigation scheme continuously in both Yala and Maha seasons.

In 1929, the government acquired a land in this area, owned by Mr. Hamidu Muhandiram and offered to the Department of Agriculture administered under the Wariyapola farm (Land which RRDI is located at present).

Rice varietal development and research were conducted at Mahailluppallama during that time, with the difficulties due to no assured water supply for paddy farming. Dr. Abeyrathne (Botanist in the Department of Agriculture) decided to transfer rice research program from Mahailluppallama to Batalagoda. Accordingly, Mr. Hector Weerarathne The rice researcher at Mahailluppallama was transferred to Batalagoda and rice research program was established at Balatagoda.

Honorable D.S. Senanayake understood the importance of the work at Batalagoda and the importance of an uninterrupted water supply to the farm. He instructed the Irrigation Department to issue water from Bathalagoda tank continuously to the Batalagoda farm, with the condition of supplying water only to the farm if the water level is below 3 feet in the tank. The Irrigation Department follows this order even today.

In 1952, Batalagoda farm was re-named as Central Rice Breeding Center. It was further strengthened by establishing sub-research stations in Ambalanthota, Benthota, Bombuwela, Labuduwa, Samanthurei, Paranthan and Murunkan. The institute was renamed as Rice Research and Development Institute in 1993.