Workshop highlights smart pest control to reduce rice losses

Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), Dhaka, Bangladesh — A workshop on the innovation of a “Smart Ultrasonic Pest Control System” aimed at reducing post-harvest losses in stored rice was successfully held on April 19, 2026.

The event was graced by Professor Dr. Abdul Awal as the keynote speaker, who is the Principal Investigator of the project. The chief guests were Md. Selim Khan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, and Md. Anwar Uddin, Additional Secretary, ICT Division. Special guests included Subrata Ranjan Das, Managing Director of ACI Motors Ltd., and Suparna Roy, Digital Specialist, World Bank South Asia Region.

In Bangladesh, a significant portion of stored rice is lost every year due to insect infestation and fungal attacks, adversely affecting food security, farmers’ income, and nutritional quality. The country’s warm and humid climate further intensifies the problem. Studies indicate that approximately 5–10% of stored rice is lost due to such factors.

The proposed smart ultrasonic technology offers an eco-friendly and safe solution by controlling pests without the use of chemical pesticides. It helps maintain grain quality while reducing health risks and environmental impacts. The cost-effective nature of the technology makes it accessible to small and marginal farmers.

This project is expected to contribute significantly to ensuring food security, improving farmers’ livelihoods, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. ACI Motors was trialing partner in this project. This technology demonstrates strong potential for widespread adoption and impactful application in the near future.