Prof. Dr. Mahfuza Begum
Director
Bangladesh Agricultural University Research System (BAURES)
Bangladesh Agricultural University
Bangladesh
Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) was established in September 1961 to provide facilities for higher education, research and extension in all branches of agricultural sciences. Bangladesh Agricultural University Research System (BAURES) was established through an Ordinance approved by the BAU Syndicate in its 161st meeting on 30 August, 1984. Since then, the project-based research activities carried out by the teachers of different Faculties of BAU came under the direct management of BAURES. The main responsibility of BAURES is the administration and management of all research projects of the University. It promotes the development of collaboration among different institutions, Universities and donor agencies at home and abroad. It encourages the formation of research team by the teachers and researchers for the formulation of demand-led research projects and provides direct assistance in exploring research funds from potential donor agencies. BAURES organizes annual research progress workshop, seminars, symposia and also conduct evaluation of research proposal for granting research fund and arrange M&E of ongoing research projects. BAURES also publishes the Journal of the Bangladesh Agricultural University, workshop proceedings and the agricultural technology magazine. BAURES has so for completed implementation of 2064 research projects and currently implementing 432 research projects funded by different national and international agencies. A good number of projects are being carried out in collaboration with the universities and institutions of developed countries like USA, EU and Japan etc.
Globally, driven by rising demand for safe food, feed, and fuel, food price volatility, climate change, diminishing resources for agricultural production, and increasing cost of the inputs, agriculture research has once again began to gather momentum since the turn of the century. A remarkable shift in the overall research agendas is occurring in many developed and transitional economies with increased attention on food and agricultural sector. During the last few years the present government of the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has increased research funding and emphasis on agricultural sectors for transforming Bangladesh to a middle income country. Nevertheless, research in agricultural sectors still suffers from under investment, poor infrastructure and lack of incentives for researchers. Agricultural research is still largely dependent on foreign aid. Inclusion of BAU in the NARS has been a long standing demand. Advancing agriculture to meet the demand for increasing food production at the rate of population growth through the development of science-based, sustainable and environment- friendly agricultural technology is a demand of the time.
Prof. Dr. Mahfuza Begum
Director
Bangladesh Agricultural University Research System (BAURES)