Youth to Drive Technology-Based Agriculture

Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) member Professor Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun has stressed the need to equip young people, particularly agricultural university students, with modern technological skills to build a technology-driven agricultural system.

He said agriculture is one of Bangladesh’s major and priority economic sectors. Alongside traditional farming practices, greater emphasis should be placed on research, innovation and modern technology to increase productivity. According to him, the younger generation can become the key driving force behind this transformation.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a reception for newly admitted students of the 2025–26 academic year at Khulna Agricultural University and an industry-academia memorandum of understanding signing ceremony on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Professor Mamun said modernisation is essential to increase production in the agriculture and livestock sectors. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, drones and remote sensing are increasingly being integrated into agriculture. He said the government is working to create opportunities for students at agricultural universities to acquire relevant skills for effectively applying these technologies.
“Agriculture cannot be viewed only through traditional methods,” he said.

The entire agricultural system needs to be redesigned through agri-technology. Alongside research and innovation, students need to become familiar with modern technologies, while agricultural universities can play an important role in this process.

Professor Mamun also said a new agricultural revolution could be possible if young people are connected with agriculture in new ways. He stressed technology-focused skills in curricula, research and training, while calling for stronger collaboration between universities and industry and commercial organisations so students can become familiar with real-world workplace requirements.

Highlighting the potential for earning foreign currency through agricultural exports, Professor Mamun said growth in the sector has yet to reach its full potential. Increased use of technology, research and innovation could boost both agricultural productivity and exports, he said.

Referring to government initiatives aimed at encouraging young entrepreneurs and innovators, he said Tk 500 crore has been allocated for the startup sector and Tk 800 crore for the creative sector. He suggested that part of such financing could be directed towards agriculture-based technology and innovative ventures, potentially increasing youth participation in agriculture and creating new employment opportunities.

The event was chaired by Khulna Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Asaduzzaman Sarkar. Speakers included the university’s acting registrar Md. Rezaul Karim, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Masud, and Khulna Agricultural University Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Shamim Ahmed Kamal.

During the event, memorandums of understanding were signed between Khulna Agricultural University and five organisations, including ACI Motors, Aman Feed, Bayer Crop Science and Lal Teer. The agreements are expected to create opportunities for greater cooperation between the university and industry and commercial organisations in agricultural research, technology application and skilled human resource development.

The initiative brings agricultural education closer to rapidly developing technologies and could contribute to productivity, research, innovation and technology-focused human resource development in the sector.
//DBTech/ISF/IMF//