Bangladesh Explores Partnership with ICRISAT to Boost Pulses and Oilseeds Research
In a significant step to address Bangladesh's heavy reliance on imports of edible oils and pulses, the Secretary of Agriculture, Government of Bangladesh, Ms Wahida Akter, engaged in discussions with ICRISAT's Global Research Program Director - Accelerated Crop Improvement Program, Dr Sean Mayes, and Dr Manzoor Dar, Principal Scientist for Seed Systems. The aim is to enhance collaboration in research and development to promote pulses and oilseeds within the country.
The discussions took place between the 7th and 8th June 2023. Ms Akter commended ICRISAT's scientific advancements and innovations that have improved the lives of smallholder farmers in the dryland regions of Asia and Africa. Ms Akter also accepted an invitation to visit ICRISAT's headquarters in Hyderabad, India.
Ms Akter also expressed interest in the National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) partners collaborating with the Institute to develop short-duration pulses and oilseeds suitable for the region's rice-based agroecology.
Dr Shaikh Mohammad Bokhtiar, Executive Chairman Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), was also present at the meeting. He said ICRISAT’s world-class facilities and expertise are highly valued for the capacity building of technical and research staff from various research organizations. He believes Bangladesh can significantly benefit from the collaboration on capacity building of young scientists, researchers, and students.
The ICRISAT team conducted in-depth discussions with the NARS partners in Bangladesh to create a roadmap for collaboration. The teams will engage further to strengthen ties for diversified agriculture in the country.
During the two-day visit, the team from ICRISAT also met Dr Debasish Sarker, Director General of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI); Dr Mirza Mofazzal Islam, Director General of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA); Mr Abdullah Sajjad, Chairman of Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC); and Mr Badal Chandra Biswas, Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Dr Jatish Chand Biswas, Executive Director, Krishi Gobeshona Foundation (KGF) and; Prof Ghiashuddin Miah, Vice Chancellor, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU).
.jpg "This work aligns with SDG 17")