Agriculture scientists from the Bangladesh Academy of Agriculture gathered at a seminar in the Krishi Gobeshona Foundation conference room to discuss practical ways to improve crops, and the meeting opened with a clear, optimistic call to bring modern genetics into local research programs. Sponsored by Supreme Seed Company, the event featured a keynote by Dr. Nurul Islam Faridi of Texas A&M University, who explained how wild plant genetics, wide crossing and molecular cytogenetics can speed the development of stronger, more climate-resilient crop varieties. Researchers, academic scholars, scientists and agricultural professionals attended from several institutions, and speakers used simple examples to show how genetic tools can help farmers cope with drought, salinity and pests. Participants stressed the need to blend traditional breeding knowledge with new molecular techniques so crop programs deliver varieties that work well in local fields, are easy for farmers to grow, and give reliable yields. Panelists asked for more investment in testing labs, seed banks and training so young researchers can use DNA tools and chromosome analysis with confidence. They also proposed more farmer-led trials where new lines are tested in real farm conditions, and they urged stronger links between universities, public research centres and private seed companies so useful discoveries move quickly into seed shops. Speakers said clear policies and steady funding will help research teams plan multi-year projects that produce tested seeds, and that partnerships with international centres and universities can speed learning while building national skills. The seminar highlighted practical wins from wide crossing and wild relatives of crops, such as traits for disease resistance and salt tolerance, and participants agreed these approaches can protect harvests as the climate shifts. The organisers noted that small, targeted steps can eventually build larger research capacity and praised BAAG’s role in bringing experts together. The meeting ended with plans to run follow-up workshops, share technical notes and design pilot projects that bring lab findings into farmers’ fields. Attendees left feeling hopeful that combining modern genetics with farmer knowledge, better labs and smart partnerships can boost crop strength, increase yields and support food security. With training, testing and practical trials, Bangladesh can use science to make seeds that help communities farm more safely and earn steadier incomes, and the seminar set a clear path for continuing work that links research, seed companies and farmers for lasting results. Speakers recommended creating short courses for technicians, expanding extension services to deliver seed information to villages, setting up shared laboratory hubs to reduce costs for small institutes, offering seed certification support so new varieties reach markets faster, and tracking results with clear monitoring so successful trials can scale; these steps would help spread benefits to many farmers quickly and fairly and inclusively.
