Smart Storage Shift: Ultrasonic Tech Targets Post-Harvest Loss in Bangladesh
New prospects for modernizing post-harvest management in the country have emerged at a seminar. Titled “Strategic Roadmap for Transforming Post-Harvest Management: Market-Oriented Smart Ultrasonic Solutions to Reduce Stored Paddy Loss and Achieve SDG 2 and 12,” the seminar was held at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) in Farmgate in the capital. The event was organized on Sunday, 19 April by the Bangladesh Agricultural University Research and Innovation Center (BAU-RIC).
Speaking as the chief guest, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Rehan Asif Asad, said that the use of smart technologies in agriculture is a demand of the time, and reducing post-harvest losses is very crucial for ensuring food security.
As a guest, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Md. Salim Khan, said that post-harvest losses remain a major challenge for farmers. However, innovations such as ultrasonic technology can play an effective role in reducing these losses. Additional Secretary of the ICT Division, Md. Anwar Uddin, highlighted the importance of digital innovation in expanding technology.
As a special guest, World Bank South Asia Regional Digital Specialist and Task Team Leader Suparna Ray emphasized the need for developing technologies that are easily adoptable at the field level and market-oriented.
Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council, Dr. Md. Abdus Salam, called for strengthening coordination among researchers, policymakers, and the private sector. Managing Director of ACI Motors Limited, Subrata Ranjan Das, expressed interest in supporting the commercialization of the technology.
The keynote paper was presented by Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Awal of the Department of Farm Power and Machinery under the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). He stated that smart ultrasonic technology can protect stored paddy from insect infestation without the use of chemicals, making it both environmentally friendly and effective.
At the beginning of the workshop, a welcome speech was delivered by Faruk Ahmed Jewel, Component Lead of the EDGE Project under the ICT Division. In his presidential speech, Chairman of the RLC Committee of BAU-RIC and former Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. K. M. Mostafizur Rahman said that such innovations are aligned with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. He urged for the rapid implementation of this technology.
DBTech/ABM/EK/OR
