SERDANG, Oct 11 – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) virtually, outlining several priority areas of collaboration in agriculture.
The areas of research collaboration included bioinformatics in agriculture, livestock and fisheries; biotechnology; food safety; animal health and zoonotic diseases; marine farming; agricultural mechanisation; research in animal production, post-harvest management and waste management; and capacity development.
The MoU was signed by UPM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr Mohd Roslan Sulaiman, and BARC Executive Chairman, Dr. Shaikh Mohammad Bokhtiar. The ceremony was witnessed by the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UPM, Prof. Dr Abdul Rahman Omar, and BARC Board Member from the Planning and Evaluation Division, Dr. Md. Abdus Salam.
Prof. Dr. Mohd Roslan said any transformation in the agricultural sector should emphasise the use of high-tech applications in its development.
He explained the approach would, in turn, catalyse the growth of a country, especially for agro-food dependent, and it would indirectly be able to guarantee food security of the country.
"UPM will continue to share and contribute its expertise and experience in research and development with the local community and international organisations for mutual progress," he added.
BARC is the main body in the National Agricultural Research System under the Ministry of Agriculture, Bangladesh.
BARC oversees 13 agricultural research institutions and acts as the centre for the agricultural system in Bangladesh, responsible for planning and integrating resources related to agricultural activities.
Meanwhile, the long history of collaboration between UPM and BARC has produced a number of scholars and scientists in Bangladesh through the assistance of UPM experts in agricultural research and development.
Six officers from BARC had completed their PhD studies in UPM through the National Agricultural Technology Program (NATP), Bangladesh Phase I (2011-2014).
Through the NATP Phase II (2018-2022) programme, a total of 29 officers from BARC are currently pursuing their PhD studies at the Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Faculty of Forestry and Environment, UPM. - UPM
