KGF-funded germplasm screening project distributes high-yielding seeds and saplings
BAU Trains Farmers to Boost Onion Yield and Storage Shelf-Life
- BAU Department of Horticulture conducts practical training for 30 farmers to optimize onion seed production and post-harvest durability
- High-yielding onion germplasm seeds and seedlings distributed under a specialized research grant funded by KGF
- Acting VC Prof. Ali Reza Farook urges scientific interventions, citing onion farming's higher profitability over staple paddy
Focused on augmenting high-quality bulb and seed propagation while extending the post-harvest shelf-life of harvested crops, a specialized farmers' training workshop alongside seed and sapling distribution was held at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). The outreach initiative took place at the Allium Field of the university's Horticultural Farm on Monday morning, 9 November 2026.
The program was executed by the Department of Horticulture under the research project titled 'Germplasm Screening for Quality Bulb, Seed Production and Extending Storage Life of Onion', funded by the Krishi Gobeshona Foundation (KGF).
Professor Dr. Md. Ali Reza Farook, Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge) and Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries, graced the session as chief guest. Distinguished special guests included Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Professor Dr. Masum Ahmad, KGF Senior Specialist Dr. Md. Monowar Karim Khan, and BAU Research System (BAURES) Acting Director Professor Sharif-ar-Raffi.
Chaired by Head of the Department of Horticulture Professor Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman, the session proceedings were moderated by the project's Principal Investigator (PI), Professor Dr. Md. Harun Or Rashid. During the introductory segment, two participating farmers shared their grassroots experiences regarding localized crop vulnerability and seasonal storage challenges.
In his address, Professor Dr. Md. Ali Reza Farook affirmed, "Onion serves as a pivotal cash crop for Bangladesh. Because onion yield delivers significantly higher financial returns compared to traditional rice cultivation, modern agricultural sciences must prioritize indigenous yield enhancement. This institutional initiative to prolong storage capacity and develop resilient germplasms will fortify domestic supply chains and farm incomes."
Special guest Professor Dr. Masum Ahmad observed that modern dietary shifts have transformed onions from a culinary spice into an essential vegetable, underscoring the necessity of disseminating scientific propagation practices to farming communities.
Concluding the workshop, the chief guest and distinguished faculty distributed certified, high-grade onion seed stocks and seedlings among 30 selected male and female farmers representing the adjacent Char Nilakshiya agrarian cluster.
//DBTech/Arafat Hossain/SMP/MVNO//
