Signs Mou to support sustainable agriculture in Bangladesh
In a significant development for the global agricultural research community, the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) and CABI have come together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This landmark agreement, inked on 9th October 2023 at BARI’s seminar hall, paves the way for collaborative research. As a part of the workplan, efforts are underway to establish the Trichogramma rearing facilities under CABI’s PlantwisePlus programme. These will increase the availability of the biological control (biocontrol) agent for local communities.
Dr. Debasish Sarker, the Director-General of BARI and CABI’s Dr. Vinod Pandit, Acting Regional Director for South Asia, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Dr. Ashraf Uddin Ahmed, Chief Scientific Officer of BARI’s Training and Communication Wing (T&C), Dr. Nirmal Kumar Dutta, Chief Scientific Officer of the Entomology Division, and Dr. Md. Saleh Ahmed, CABI’s Country Representative in Bangladesh. Dr. Malvika Chaudhary, Regional Coordinator Asia for PlantwisePlus, joined virtually and spoke in the event.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Md. Imran Khan Choudhury, Principal Scientific Officer of T&C, BARI. Scientists and staff members from T&C and the Entomology Division, and CABI staff were also present at the ceremony.
Under this MoU, CABI commits to sharing its knowledge and expertise in agricultural research, innovation, and development with BARI. The shared objectives of this partnership include helping Bangladesh to predict, prevent, and prepare for plant health threats. This ensures that smallholder farmers reduce their crop losses and produce more and safe food. All in the face of a changing climate.
Additionally, CABI and BARI will work together to create, manage, and disseminate valuable information through various means. This includes collaborative research, training, policy advocacy and promoting digital technologies. This collaboration will drive agricultural innovation and boost the agricultural sector’s overall sustainability.
Both organizations will also initiate activities of mutual interest, such as joint research, conferences, workshops, and training, to further their common goals. CABI, with its expertise in plant health science, will provide technical support to various research activities at BARI. Particularly in the areas of conservation and sustainable use of biocontrol agents. Plus, knowledge management for safe and high-quality food production, and export enhancement.
On the other hand, BARI has committed to supporting CABI by connecting it with BARI’s resource hub where possible, sharing knowledge and expertise in agricultural research and innovation, and providing technical support for research in different aspects of crop production. This includes integrated pest management and the promotion of biopesticides. BARI will also offer laboratory, scientific, and field facilities for collaborative research projects.
The signing of this agreement signifies a new era of cooperation in the field of agricultural research and innovation in Bangladesh. BARI and CABI’s partnership promises to bring about positive changes in the agricultural landscape of the country, fostering growth and sustainability in the sector. This collaboration holds great promise for the future of agriculture in Bangladesh, aiming to address the challenges and opportunities of the agricultural sector through science and technology-driven solutions.
