Bengal Introduces Four New Rice Varieties; Vietnam Rice Prices Remain Stable: Today’s Top Rice News

By Megha Bajaj

“Bengal Agriculture Department Developed Four New Weather- Suitable Rice Varieties,” says Mamata Banerjee

On Tuesday, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the State Agriculture department had been able to develop four new high-yielding rice varieties suitable for the state’s weather and climate.
She said: “ After Several years of research at the Purulia Drought Resistance Research Centre and the Chinsurah Rice Research Centre, it has been possible to create these rice varieties. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the scientists involved in this work,” in a statement. In addition, she informed about the new rice varieties among them, three of which were namely Subhashini, Lachhmanti and Musafir, which were intended for drought-prone areas in the western part of the state, such as West Medinipur, Purulia and Bankura. Moreover, she claimed that these rice varieties are capable of yielding 52 to 55 quintals per hectare during the kharif season. On the contrary, Chief Minister Banerjee had claimed that a variety named Iravati had been developed for flood-prone areas in South Bengal.
Interestingly, agricultural scientists believe that the development of these four varieties will really solve the problem of damage to large quantities of crops every year, either because of prolonged drought situations or because of floods or excessive rains, where farmlands remain submerged for a prolonged period.

Philippines Feb Rice Imports, Supply Influx Likely to Keep Vietnam Prices Stable

According to market sources, Vietnamese rice prices are expected to remain stable in February as the Philippines plans to import nearly 300,000 metric tons of rice. The limited import volume, combined with rising Vietnamese winter/spring supplies, is unlikely to significantly lift prices. While the Philippines is tightening rice imports in 2026 to support domestic farmers, a controlled import window has been opened to ensure supply stability. Market participants noted the capped volume restricts flexibility and keeps prices subdued, with Vietnamese exporters continuing to offer rice aggressively amid ample supply.

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