Md Nazrul Islam, Mymensingh
Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) is set to enter a new era of excellence in agricultural education and research, with plans to transform the institution into one of South Asia’s leading hubs for agricultural research, knowledge exchange and innovation.
Against the backdrop of changing global circumstances, climate change and the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a far-reaching plan has been undertaken to establish BAU not only as a national centre of excellence but also as a regional hub for agricultural research and knowledge.
A range of initiatives has been proposed to transform the country’s traditional agricultural higher education institution into a world-class research centre and a platform for international researchers. BAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr AK Fazlul Hoque Bhuiyan outlined the plans on September 3.
As part of a major initiative to bring significant changes to agricultural higher education and research, a $180 million project has been proposed under the Strengthening Agricultural Tertiary Education Project (SATEP), with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). BAU is planned to be developed as a centre of excellence in agricultural research and a regional research and knowledge hub for South Asia.
The project will also strengthen the academic, research and technological capacities of other agricultural universities in the country. Priority will be given to addressing climate change, promoting modern agricultural technologies, providing industry-oriented education and applying research findings to the agricultural sector.
These issues were discussed at a consultation meeting between University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed and an ADB delegation on Wednesday (September 2) at the UGC chairman’s office. The meeting discussed various aspects of the SATEP project.
BAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr AK Fazlul Hoque Bhuiyan sought cooperation from the UGC, Ministry of Planning and other relevant stakeholders for implementation of the project. He said the project would help students acquire job-market-oriented skills and create agriculture-based entrepreneurs.
The proposed project will cost $180 million, with ADB providing $105 million, Korea Eximbank/Economic Development Cooperation Fund (KEXIM/EDCF) $55 million and the Bangladesh government financing the remainder. According to the plan, the project will be implemented from 2027 to 2032.
Under the project, curricula and academic structures of agricultural universities will be modernised, research infrastructure developed, information technology expanded, and training arranged to improve the skills of teachers and researchers. Efforts will also be made to align agricultural education with industry and job-market demands while giving students opportunities to acquire modern technological skills.
A modern instrumentation centre for climate change and agricultural research is planned at BAU. The centre will strengthen the university’s capacity to collect and analyse data on climate, agricultural production and the environment.
The use of modern technologies in research and agricultural education will also be expanded, including remote sensing, GPS, GIS, drones, digital twins, weather analytics, big data analytics, biotechnology and robotics. The project aims to make agricultural research and innovation more data-driven and practical through these technologies.
Another key objective is to take research findings beyond laboratories and university campuses and apply them in the agricultural sector and market. Initiatives will be taken to commercialise research-based knowledge and technologies, strengthen university partnerships with the agro-industry, and enhance links among research, industry and entrepreneurs.
Special initiatives will also support young people in becoming agriculture-based entrepreneurs through pre-start-up, start-up and incubation programmes. This is expected to create opportunities for new technologies and innovations and help nurture entrepreneurs within agricultural universities.
At the meeting, ADB Senior Social Sector Economist and Mission Leader Riotaro Hayashi said BAU ranked second among Bangladesh’s universities in international rankings. He said the proposed project would further strengthen BAU’s education and research capacity while providing support to other agricultural universities.
He said cooperation between BAU and higher education and research institutions in South Asia and other regions would be expanded. The project also aims to strengthen coordination among research, innovation, industry and universities, promote technological development and build a start-up ecosystem.
UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed said agriculture is one of the main foundations of Bangladesh’s economy and food security. In view of climate change, population growth, declining arable land and rising demand for food and nutrition, he stressed the need to expand the use of technology and research in agriculture and transform agricultural universities into centres of knowledge, research and innovation.
UGC, BAU and ADB officials, including UGC Director of Planning and Development Mohammad Maksudur Rahman Bhuiyan, BAU Project Focal Point Professor Dr Mohammad Shamsul Alam Bhuiyan and UGC Additional Director Suraiya Farhanas, attended the meeting.
If implemented, the plan is expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s food security and enhance BAU’s role in regional agricultural research and innovation. The university could also emerge as a trusted destination for agricultural researchers from Bangladesh, South Asia and beyond. #EK
