PKSF, BARC join hands to boost agricultural research and growth

Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) on Thursday agreed to work together.

Dhaka, Jan 29 - Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) on Thursday agreed to work together to strengthen the linkage between agricultural research and extension to ensure inclusive growth.

The commitment was made at a discussion meeting held at PKSF Bhaban-1 in the capital.

The meeting was chaired by PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan. Emeritus Professor at Kansas State University, USA, Dr ANM Mahbub-ul Alam, attended the event as the chief guest, while BARC Executive Chairman Md Abdus Salam was present as the special guest. PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader delivered the welcome address.

Although agriculture remains a key pillar of the country’s food security and employment, its contribution to GDP is limited to around 12 percent, while nearly 47 percent of the total labour force is engaged in the sector.

Sluggish agricultural growth of 3.21 percent, shrinking arable land, declining soil fertility and rising production costs have emerged as major challenges.

Dr Alam said institutions often hesitate to engage others who possess greater expertise in specific areas, even when such collaboration is necessary.

“As a result, the country is deprived of the effective use of promising talent. We must break free from this mindset,” he said.

Emphasising the need for balanced coordination between public and private initiatives for sustainable agricultural development, he added that ensuring food and nutrition security remains a shared national goal.

Md Abdus Salam said the objectives of advanced agricultural practices are fourfold — better production, better nutrition, a better environment and, ultimately, a better life.

He noted that BARC is continuously conducting research to achieve these goals and expressed hope that collaboration with PKSF would help expand research-based initiatives at the field level.

He also said PKSF could play a complementary role to the government in implementing the ‘Transforming Bangladesh Agriculture: Outlook 2050’ strategy.

PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan said that while Bangladesh holds a strong position in the global agricultural landscape, sustainable and inclusive growth cannot be achieved without addressing structural challenges.

“The main objective of today’s meeting is to enhance mutual cooperation between PKSF and BARC for the overall development of the agricultural sector,” he said, adding that coordinated efforts would also lead to innovative initiatives beyond conventional activities to benefit farmers and the sector.

He expressed optimism that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two institutions would be signed soon.

Highlighting that nearly 50 percent of the total agricultural credit disbursed in the country is provided by PKSF and its partner organisations, PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader said the organisation is working to expand markets and promote agricultural micro-entrepreneurship as a dignified and attractive profession through diversification and value addition.

He added that PKSF is placing special emphasis on expanding ecological farming practices to reduce production costs, increase farmers’ income and restore soil fertility.

Former BARC Executive Chairman Dr Wais Kabir and WAVE Foundation Executive Director Mohsin Ali also spoke at the discussion.

A presentation on PKSF’s agricultural development interventions was delivered, and a special documentary was screened.

Senior officials of PKSF and BARC, along with chief executives of PKSF partner organisations, were present at the event. - UNB