Although the agricultural sector is one of the main pillars of the country’s food security and employment, its contribution to GDP remains limited to 12 percent. Meanwhile, nearly 47 percent of the country’s total labor force is engaged in this sector. Sluggish agricultural growth at 3.21 percent, shrinking agricultural land, declining soil fertility, and rising production costs have emerged as major challenges.

Against this backdrop, Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) will work together to strengthen the linkage between agricultural research and extension in order to achieve inclusive growth. This was stated in a discussion meeting held today at PKSF Bhaban-1 in the capital. The meeting was chaired by PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan. Dr ANM Mahbub-ul Alam, Emeritus Professor at Kansas State University, USA, was the Chief Guest and Md Abdus Salam, Executive Chairman of BARC, was the Special Guest at the event. PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader delivered the welcome speech.

In his remarks, Dr ANM Mahbub-ul Alam said, “Often, institutions hesitate to engage others who are more competent in certain areas, even when they themselves lack expertise in those functions. As a result, the country is deprived of the effective use of promising talent. We must break free from this mindset.” Emphasizing on the need for balanced coordination between public and private initiatives for sustainable agricultural development, he said, “Our goal is shared: ensuring food and nutrition security for the people of the country.”

Md Abdus Salam stated, “The objectives of advanced agricultural practices are fourfold: better production, better nutrition, better environment, and, as a result, better life.” He noted that BARC is continuously conducting research to achieve these goals and expressed hope that collaboration with PKSF would strengthen the expansion of research-based initiatives at the field level. He further mentioned that PKSF could serve as a complementary force of the Government of Bangladesh in implementing Transforming Bangladesh Agriculture: Outlook 2050.

PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan said that although Bangladesh’s position in the global agricultural context is strong, sustainable and inclusive growth is not possible 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 country’s agricultural sector. Through coordinated efforts, we will also undertake some creative initiatives beyond conventional activities that can effectively contribute to the development of farmers and the agricultural sector,” he said. He expressed hope 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 Organizations, PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader said, “By offering services for diversification and value addition of agricultural products, we are working to expand markets and establish agricultural micro-entrepreneurship as an attractive and dignified profession.” He also noted that PKSF is giving special emphasis to expanding ecological farming practices to reduce production costs, increase farmers’ income, and restore soil fertility.

Among others, former BARC Executive Chairman Dr Wais Kabir and Executive Director of WAVE Foundation 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, as well as chief executives of PKSF’s Partner Organizations, were present at the event.