BAU, agro-industries sign MoU to establish research centre for climate-smart agriculture

In a significant step toward strengthening Bangladesh's agricultural sector and export capabilities, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with top agri-food associations and industries on Saturday.

This initiative, jointly organised by BAU and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), aims to establish a research centre for climate-smart agriculture, thereby boosting exports and ensuring safer food for local consumers.

The MoU was signed after a workshop at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) in the city.

BAU signed MoUs with three entities including the Bangladesh Agro Processor Association, Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation, and Ispahani Agro Ltd.

The MoU will pave the way for the development of the Bangladesh Instrumentation Center for Climate Change and Agricultural Research (BICAR) at BAU under the Strengthening Agricultural Tertiary Education Project (SATEP).

This ambitious project, expected to be financed by ADB and the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) of the Export-Import Bank of Korea, aims to enhance the responsiveness of tertiary agricultural education to industry needs.

BICAR will also manage critical laboratory testing currently conducted abroad, allowing local traders to benefit from quicker, more cost-effective testing.

Ryotaro Hayashi, Senior Social Sector Economist at ADB, delivered the welcome address, and Prof. Dr. Harunur Rashid of BAU presented the goals of SATEP.

Prof. Dr. A K Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, Vice Chancellor of BAU, and Prof ASM Golam Hafeez, Director of Planning and Development at BAU, focused on the importance of partnerships like this for sustainable agricultural growth and resilience.

Prof Dr Md Shamsul Alam Bhuiyan, BAU’s Focal Point for SATEP, moderated a panel discussion involving key industry leaders, including Md Abul Hashem, President of the Bangladesh Agro-Processors’ Association (BAPA), Syed Mahmudul Huq, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Shrimp and Fisheries Foundation, Ms. Fawzia Yasmin, Director of Ispahani Agro Limited, Naser Ahmed, Executive Director of PRAN-RFL Group, among others.

Fawzia Yasmin discussed Ispahani’s work along the entire agri value chain, from seeds to biopesticides and agro-processing.

She advocated for further investment in biopesticides, climate-smart agriculture, and value chain enhancements.

"We need policy-level support to expand sustainable farming practices and introduce farmers to climate-resilient crops and bio-friendly inputs," she said, noting the importance of training and capacity-building for farmers, distributors, and stakeholders.

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