Prospects of SAU
Md. Rezaul Karim Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Dhaka
Producing good agriculturists is the pre-requisite for developing the agriculture sector. Many agricultural universities are working in this area. Among the universities, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) is playing a pioneer role in producing proficient agriculturists. Although beset with a lot of problems, SAU has a great scope to develop our agriculture sector.Now, I would like to point out the problems of SAU as well as the ways to overcome them. SAU still practises the old irrigation and drainage system. As a result, all plots are not provided with an equal amount of water which hampers the productivity of crops. Modern irrigation and drainage system should be introduced in our agricultural farming. SAU was established in 1938 (as BAI). Since then SAU farmland is being used for different crops. That means the soil is covered with crops round the year. As a result, the soil has lost its fertility and crops do not produce expected yields. It hampers our experiments. More organic material and manure should be added for restoring soil fertility. Besides, fertile soil can be brought to SAU farm from outside. SAU does not have a modern lab and sufficient equipment. As a result, many research works are being obstructed. We have many experts in SAU but we do not have sufficient opportunities. They cannot work to their full potential. SAU does not have the required land. I would like to request the government as well as the university authorities to look into the matter and set up a modern lab for the greater interest of the people of Bangladesh. SAU can definitely contribute a lot to our progress if its needs are fulfilled. SAU is situated in the heart of the capital city Dhaka. So it is very easy to reach the place. Experts from different countries who are staying in the city can visit experimental plots of SAU farm rather easily. If we look at neighbouring India, we find in New Delhi there are large areas covered with different agricultural experimental plots, though it is a crowded city. In the same way SAU can contribute a lot to the capital dwellers. The chairman, department of genetics and plant breeding, Dr. Md. Shahidur Rashid Bhuiyan observed during a recent discussion that SAU has a bright prospect. We have a lot of resources. But we have to utilise them property. All types of developing activities are impeded because of lack of funds. Would the government respond to our call?
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