More research in agri sector needed for food autarky
Matia tells BAU golden jubilee function
Agriculture Minister Begum Matia Chowdhury yesterday said the scientists and researchers should develop more salinity tolerant varieties of rice and fruits for cultivation in the country's southern region.
To achieve food autarky, we must ensure more rice and fruit production in every nook and cranny'', said the minister while addressing a seminar organised to mark the golden jubilee of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU).
Matia was chief guest at the seminar held at Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin auditorium on the campus.
Praising BAU's pioneering role in agricultural research and education in the country, the minister said more research in agri-sector is needed to achieve food autarky and boost economy.
There are a number of agricultural institutions in the country to promote agri sector to fulfill the dream of the father of the nation, Matia said adding Bangabandhu had started 'green revolution' after independence to make the country self-sufficient in food.
Earlier Matia Chowdhury inaugurated the day-long golden jubilee programme releasing pigeons.
The seminar on 'The Achievements of BAU and Future Perspective' was also addressed by Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdul Latif Biswas, MP, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Captain (Retd) Mujibur Rahman Fakir, MP and State Minister for Cultural Affairs advocate Promod Mankin, MP as special guests.
BAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. M A Sattar Mandal chaired the function.
BAU vice-chancellor told the seminar that there are 4401 students in honours and masters classes under 44 departments in six faculties of the university. There are also 341 PhD students at present.
At least 22976 students did their honours while 12624 took master's degree from BAU since its starting. The figure included 101 foreign students. So far 262 students did their PhD from BAU, the VC said.
The university authorities chalked out a day-long programme including hoisting of national and university flags, rally, tree plantation, seminar, farmers gathering and inauguration of a fish museum at BAU yesterday to celebrate the golden jubilee.
According to BAU sources, on recommendation of the then National Education Commission, set up by then Government of Pakistan in 1958, it was decided to establish two technological universities - a university of engineering and technology and an agricultural university-in each wing (east and west) of Pakistan.
With the appointment of Dr. M A Osman Ghani as its first vice-chancellor, the agriculture university formally came into being on September 2, 1961.
Earlier it was the campus of the then East Pakistan College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry.
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