Around 350 scientists, researchers, academics and students from 12 countries attended the 5th International Conference of Bangladesh Society of Plant Science and Technology (BSPST) held at Sylhet Agricultural University on 29 and 30 October, said a press release on Saturday.
The two-day conference was jointly organised by BSPST and the university’s Faculty of Agriculture.
BSPST President M A Baset Mia, who presided over the event, said scientific research and technological innovation are indispensable to ensuring sustainable agriculture and food security in the face of climate change and emerging global challenges.
The theme of the conference was “Plant Science and Technology for Sustainable Agriculture: Challenges and Opportunities.” In his address, Baset Mia highlighted the transformative potential of biotechnology, genome editing, artificial intelligence and digital technologies in developing climate-resilient agriculture. He also called for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions and industry to translate scientific discoveries into practical agricultural solutions.
Sylhet Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Mohummed Shofi Ullah Mazumder was the chief patron. University Grants Commission of Bangladesh member Masuma Habib attended as the chief guest, while Md Mozammel Haque was a special guest.
The keynote address was delivered by Universiti Sains Malaysia Institute of Biological Sciences Dean Amir Hamza Ahmad Ghazali. Sultan Qaboos University, Oman’s Mohammad Shafique Shaheed participated as an invited speaker in a technical session.
The conference featured 20 technical sessions on plant science, agricultural biotechnology, genomics, climate-resilient crops, biodiversity conservation and sustainable food production. Six distinguished scientists were honoured for their outstanding contributions to plant science and agricultural research.
