50 farmers receive training at BAU

Under the initiative of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) and Standard Chartered Bank, approximately 50 farmers from the Mymensingh region have received training along with free distribution of carrot and tomato seeds and seedlings.

Training for farmers was held at the carrot field of Horticulture Farm On Sunday. Under the chairmanship of the director of Bangladesh Agricultural University Research Center (BAURES) Professor Dr. M. Hammadur Rahman, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Dr. Md Golam Rabbani, and student affairs advisor Professor Dr. Md. Shahidul Haque were present as special guests.

Director of Smart Agriculture Professor Dr. Md. Shahiduzzaman, Director of ICT Cell Prof. Dr. Md. Rostom Ali, and teachers of various departments including the Horticulture Department were also present.

Professor Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, project investigator of the carrot and tomato research and head of the horticulture department, highlighted that "Adverse environmental conditions, especially drought, pose an emerging threat in Bangladesh, significantly reducing the productivity of carrots and tomatoes. The current market faces a low supply of these crops amid rising demand, which contributes to nutritional deficiencies in vitamins A and C in daily diets. Therefore, the primary objective of this project is to develop and promote nutrient-rich, colorful carrots and tomatoes that can thrive in challenging environments, ultimately aiming to enhance food security in Bangladesh."

'This project involves research on 40 carrot germplasm of various colors and 20 tomato germplasm from both domestic and foreign sources,' said Dr. Harun.