Khulna: Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Khulna University (KU) Prof Dr Md Rezaul Karim emphasized the importance of technological advancements directly benefiting farmers and entrepreneurs. He highlighted that active participation in field-level implementation, beyond just research, is essential for effective technology transfer. Coordination among scientists, researchers, development organizations, and farmers is crucial to accelerate this process.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Dr Karim made these comments at the inaugural session of a regional workshop titled "National Technology Transfer Platform" organized by the Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB) at the CSS Ava Center. He pointed out the challenges faced by farmers in Khulna and the coastal southwest region, such as salinity, waterlogging, and climate change-related risks, stressing the need for technologies to reach the field for practical benefits.
He advocated for integrating local knowledge, weather-based innovations, and climate-resilient technologies to explore new possibilities. Special guests at the event included Treasurer of Khulna Agricultural University Prof Dr Shamim Ahmed Kamal Uddin Khan and CCDB Deputy Executive Director Chandan Charles Gomez, with contributions from Prof Md Rezaul Islam of Khulna University's Agrotechnology Discipline.
Juliet K Malakar, CCDB Executive Director, delivered the welcome speech, and Md Kamal Hossain, interim coordinator of the Climate Center at CCDB, presented the keynote paper. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Khulna University's Agrotechnology Discipline and CCDB to collaborate on relevant issues.
The event was led by Laboni Akter, a 2021 Agrotechnology student at Khulna University, and Muhammad Mostakim Billah, a PhD student from Gazipur Agricultural University. During the technical session, representatives from various universities and research institutions discussed current technology transfer mechanisms, grassroots challenges, the role of local entrepreneurs, and future strategies.