His tireless efforts have borne fruits. The most outstanding of his research innovations-- summer tomato--brought hefty gains for farmers, who earned up to Tk 1.5 lakh from one bigha of land in a season. The Daily Star earlier published reports on cultivation of summer tomato at farmers' level.

There are other new varieties of cash crops like cauliflower, cabbage and brinjal on the list innovations by Shahabuddin, Principal Scientific Officer of Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) in Joydebpur.

In recognition to his innovations and efforts, the Academy yesterday awarded him the Dr. Kazi Badruddoza Gold Medal-2006 at a simple function held at Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council in the city.

The award was handed over by Dr Kazi Badruddoza, founder of BARI.

Shahabuddin's summer tomato was released in 2004, with only two farmers growing it on demonstration plots in Dadpara village in Bagmara upazila in Jessore district under his supervision.

It's high profit caught farmers' attention. With seeds distributed by BARI, its cultivation spread to 38 districts last year, covering a total of over 40 hectares in 70 spots.

"In coming summer, its cultivation will exceed 100 hectares in 50 districts", he told The Daily Star.