AgTech Funding

GIFS at USask Receives $56M for Bangladesh Agtech Centre

GIFS at USask Receives $56M for Bangladesh Agtech Centre. AgriTech; Smart Farming; AgriBusiness; AgriBusiness Investments

Key Takeaways

  1. Major Funding Commitment: The Government of Bangladesh pledges $56.2 million to a research initiative between GIFS at USask and BARC.
  2. Focus on Agtech Centre: Funding will establish the Bangabandhu-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Agriculture Technology Centre (BP-ATC) in Bangladesh.
  3. Research and Training Impact: The initiative will enhance crop research and train over 30 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.
  4. Collaboration Benefits: The partnership aims to address climate change impacts and enhance food security in Bangladesh and Canada.
  5. Historical and Cultural Significance: The BP-ATC name reflects the strong ties between Canada and Bangladesh.

The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), in partnership with the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), has secured a substantial $56.2 million commitment from the Bangladesh Government for a transformative agtech initiative​.

Establishment of the BP-ATC

This significant funding, allocated over five years, will support establishing the Bangabandhu-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Agriculture Technology Centre (BP-ATC) at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute in Gazipur. The center aims to develop research infrastructure and purchase essential equipment. It will play a pivotal role in training more than 30 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows, focusing on enhancing the research of crops like wheat, rice, lentils, and canola, among others​.

Saskatchewan’s Role and Investment

About $9.8 million of the total funding will be invested in research and training activities within Saskatchewan. This includes GIFS and other partners like the Global Institute for Water Security, the USask College of Agriculture and Bioresources, and the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre​.

Addressing Food Security and Climate Challenges

Established in 2020, the GIFS-BARC partnership aims to promote sustainable food security in the face of challenges such as rapid population growth, urbanization, and climate-induced stresses in Bangladesh. The collaboration utilizes Canadian and Saskatchewan agricultural research and innovation to enhance farmer incomes, address climate change effects, and provide valuable insights for agriculture in both countries​.

Research Objectives

The BP-ATC will focus on several key research areas, including:

  • Enhancing crop breeding and plant improvement through genomics and phenomics.
  • Advancing soil health and quality.
  • Improving soil water regimes and adaptation strategies.
  • Innovating in post-harvest food handling and processing.
  • Increasing data management and analytics in agricultural research​.

Cultural and Historical Connections

The BP-ATC signifies a scientific endeavor and commemorates the long-standing relationship between Canada and Bangladesh, acknowledging Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. Canada was among the first nations to recognize Bangladesh’s independence in 1971​.

Building on Existing Partnerships

The GIFS-BARC partnership strengthens the existing trade and collaboration between Saskatchewan and Bangladesh, highlighting Bangladesh as one of Saskatchewan’s top trading partners​.

Image provided by GIFS

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