Asadullah Masum Gazipur. 

 

Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) has inaugurated a three-month Postgraduate Certificate Course on Seed Technology with a vibrant ceremony held on August 17 at 10 AM in the International Complex Seminar Room, organized by the Directorate of Outreach and supported by the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) under its Partnership Project.

 

 

The inaugural ceremony was graced by GAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. GKM Mustafizur Rahman as the Chief Guest. The session was chaired by Director (Outreach Center) Prof. Dr. Farhana Yeasmin, Special Guests included Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. M. Moynul Haque, Treasurer Prof. Dr. Md. Safiul Islam Afrad and Dr. A.K.M. Mizanur Rahman, Agency Program Director of the BADC Partnership Project. Also present were deans of various faculties, directors, the proctor of GAU and Dr. Nazmul Islam, Chief Coordinator of BADC. The course has drawn professionals and officers from key public and private institutions including BADC, Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute (BWMRI), and Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), among others. Representatives from private organizations such as BRAC, Bandhan, Supreme Seed Company Ltd., and a student from GAU are also participating. The event began with an interactive introduction session, followed by a participant sharing their expectations and the potential of applying the training to bring practical, positive change at the field level. Dr. A.K.M. Mizanur Rahman highlighted the courses hands-on approach, emphasizing its potential to drive visible improvement in agricultural practices. In his keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor stated, Quality seed is the foundation of agricultural productivity. Through proper seed management, we can ensure national food security. This initiative marks a transformative step in the agricultural sector. VC further noted that while government institutions supply about 15% of the country's seed requirements and private companies around 30%, nearly 50% is still saved by farmers themselves   underlining the need for skilled personnel to drive change in seed management. The event concluded with remarks from the Chair, Prof. Dr. Farhana Yeasmin, who expressed gratitude to the participants, stating, This training is not just about knowledge sharing ,  it is a tool for empowering farmers and improving livelihoods at the grassroots. The program was conducted by course Co-Coordinator and Director of Research at GAU, Prof. Dr. Moshiul Islam.