JUST’s Gerbera Growth Gains Ground in Gadkhali
The Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (GEBT) at Jessore University of Science and Technology (JUST), organized a program on Tuesday, August 26, in its virtual classroom to distribute modern, high-quality, disease-free gerbera seedlings to commercial flower growers in Gadkhali, Jessore.
The event drew participation from faculty members, students of the department, and commercial flower growers from Gadkhali’s Panisara, a region in Jhikargacha upazila widely recognized as the "realm of flowers."
Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Majid, Vice-Chancellor of JUST, attended as the chief guest.
In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor said, “The largest flower garden in Bangladesh is Gadkhali, situated in Jhikargacha upazila of Jessore district. Here, flowers are cultivated on about four thousand bighas of land, meeting a significant portion of the country’s demand. Yet, this promising sector is plagued by problems and obstacles. We must all work together, alongside the flower growers, to overcome these challenges. Only then will we be able to meet local demand while also catering to international markets.”
He further emphasized the need for skilled researchers: “Although Bangladesh has enough research laboratories, there is a shortage of skilled and qualified researchers. Students must always strive to become competent researchers. Given our limited economic resources, it is vital that flower growers and stakeholders unite and work together. We must serve the soil and the people, and work collectively for the development of the nation.”
Dr. Majid encouraged researchers at JUST to expand their work beyond gerbera into other flower species, and expressed his interest in establishing a laboratory in Gadkhali to provide direct support to flower growers.
Special guest Professor Dr. Hossain Al Mamun, Treasurer of JUST, highlighted the history of gerbera flowers in his remarks. “The gerbera flower is native to South Africa, where it is also known as the ‘Transvaal daisy’ or ‘African daisy.’ It was named after German botanist Traugott Gerber. The first scientific description of the gerbera was published in 1889, and it quickly gained global popularity for its vibrant colors and diversity.”
Md. Abdur Rahim, President of the Jessore Flower Producers and Marketing Cooperative Society Ltd. (JFS), said, “Gadkhali is also called the ‘Flower Capital,’ as commercial flower cultivation is carried out here and distributed across the country. Commercial flower farming began in 1982, while modern gerbera cultivation started in 2006. Gerbera seedlings are imported from neighboring India, which is costly and time-consuming.”
JFS General Secretary Mir Farukh Ahmed added, “We have collected seedlings from the university several times and cultivated them commercially. Compared to others, JUST’s seedlings are of much higher quality. If we can receive these at low cost and on time, it will play an extraordinary role in flower cultivation and ease our difficulties.”
Dr. Md. Abdur Rauf Sarkar, Associate Professor of GEBT and Director of the gerbera research project, said, “Through the research and production of seedlings tailored to growers’ needs, JUST wants to extend support to commercial flower cultivation in Gadkhali. With our research, we aim to contribute to the overall agricultural development of both Jessore and the country.”
The program was also attended by Professor Dr. Md. Sirajul Islam, Dean of the Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Professor Dr. Md. Nazmul Hasan of GEBT, members of JFS, other commercial flower growers, and faculty and students of the GEBT department.
The event was chaired by Professor Dr. Sheikh Mizanur Rahman, Associate Project Director and Head of the Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, while M.Phil. student Nasrin Akter served as moderator.
