ABSTRACT
The contribution of scientists and research institutions in Bangladesh to the high-profile objective of "food self-sufficiency" has been limited because of a lack of responsible relations between scientists and farmers and because of the centralized nature of research institutions. The strategy to achieve "sufficiency" in Bangladesh has therefore been a matter of the greatest continuing interest to both international development agencies and the government of Bangladesh. This chapter examines difference between the stated goals and the actual performance of the high yielding varieties strategy and discusses the limitations on the performance and contribution of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) in terms of the objectives of its scientists and their international supporters. It explores changes in BRRI's relations with the broad mass of rice cultivators and in its centralized organization, changes which can be initiated under BRRI's present circumstances. BRRI scientists will be able to demonstrate the strategic importance of agricultural science and technology if some of these changes occur.
