Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) has launched a winter vegetable cultivation programme for 2026-27, distributing seeds and saplings among 72 farmers to promote winter vegetable farming and contribute to agricultural development.
Organised by the BAU Extension Centre (BAUEC), the programme brought together farmers from associations affiliated with the centre.
The inaugural event was held at the BAUEC Farmers’ Auditorium at 11am on Thursday, November 12.
The day-long programme was conducted in two sessions.
During the event, farmers received broccoli and seedless lemon saplings, Bina-11 tomato saplings and carrot seeds.
BAUEC Director Professor Dr Iffat Ara Mahzabin presided over the programme, while BAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Rafiqul Islam Sardar attended as the chief guest.
Former BAUEC Director and Assistant Proctor Professor Dr Shonia Sheheli attended as the special guest.
BAUEC Additional Director Agriculturist Afroza Begum and farmers from the centre’s affiliated associations were also present.
In her speech, Professor Shonia Sheheli stressed the need to expand the university’s agricultural extension activities alongside its three core functions of education, research and extension.
She said the programme would benefit not only the participating farmers but also others in surrounding areas, who could learn from their experiences.
Addressing the event, BAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Rafiqul Islam Sardar highlighted the significant contributions of farmers to the country’s agricultural development.
He said agricultural researchers laid the groundwork for development, but marginal farmers played the central role in implementing agricultural advances at the field level.
He praised the ongoing programme for promoting modern agricultural technologies, proper management practices and improved production standards in winter vegetable cultivation.
The vice-chancellor also stressed that everyone had a responsibility to contribute to the development of the country’s agricultural sector and, consequently, national development.
