#අති

The Bathalagoda Rice Research Institute, officially known as the Rice Research and Development Institute (RRDI), is located in Bathalagoda, Sri Lanka. It is one of the key agricultural research institutions in the country, focusing specifically on rice cultivation, which is a staple food in Sri Lanka.

Overview
**Establishment**: The institute was established in 1952, initially as the Central Rice Breeding Station, and later evolved into the Rice Research and Development Institute.
**Main Objectives**: The RRDI aims to improve rice production through research and development. This includes breeding high-yielding rice varieties, developing pest and disease-resistant strains, improving agronomic practices, and ensuring the sustainability of rice cultivation.
**Research Areas**: The institute conducts research in various areas including:
**Rice Breeding**: Developing new rice varieties with improved yield, quality, and resistance to pests and diseases.
**Crop Management**: Studying best practices for soil fertility, irrigation, weed control, and overall crop management.
**Pest and Disease Management**: Researching integrated pest management practices to minimize crop losses.
**Climate Resilience**: Developing rice varieties and farming practices that are resilient to climate change.

Achievements
The RRDI has been instrumental in introducing several high-yielding and disease-resistant rice varieties that have significantly contributed to the increase in rice production in Sri Lanka. These varieties are tailored to the local environment and are developed to meet the needs of farmers across different regions of the country.

Extension Services
Beyond research, the RRDI also provides extension services to farmers, offering training and guidance on best practices for rice cultivation. This includes field demonstrations, workshops, and distribution of seed varieties.

Importance
The work carried out by the Bathalagoda Rice Research Institute is crucial for ensuring food security in Sri Lanka, where rice is a dietary staple for a large portion of the population. The institute’s research and development efforts contribute directly to the livelihood of farmers and the agricultural economy of the country.