The 1st International Conference on Agricultural Machinery and Bioresource Engineering, held at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), has marked a pivotal moment for the future of agriculture in Bangladesh. This groundbreaking event, titled ‘Smart Agricultural Mechanization and Bioresource Utilization towards 4AR’, brought together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders to explore the latest innovations in agricultural technology. The conference was organized by the Bangladesh Society of Agricultural Machinery and Bioresource Engineering (BSAMBE) and the Farm Power and Machinery Department of BAU, drawing attention from around the globe.
Dr. Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the critical role of technology in achieving sustainable agricultural production. He noted that the conference would catalyze the adoption of advanced technologies, stating, “This conference will open new horizons in the spread of the latest technology in agriculture.” Dr. Emdad highlighted Bangladesh’s leadership in global agricultural production and its vital role in ensuring food security. He stressed that the integration of technology is essential for increasing agricultural output, especially in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The conference was attended by over 240 participants, including scientists, agricultural engineers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and students from countries such as the United States, Canada, China, Japan, India, and South Korea. Notable attendees included Dr. Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, Dr. Nazmun Nahar Karim, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), and Dr. Md. Abdullah Yusuf Akhand, Director-General of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI). Subrata Ranjan Das, Deputy Managing Director of ACI Motors Limited, was also present as a guest of honor.
Dr. Emdad’s address underscored the importance of mechanizing agricultural production technologies to reduce costs and enhance farmer profitability. He assured the audience that the Ministry of Agriculture is actively working to adopt Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and implement an agricultural mechanization policy. He also emphasized the significance of public-private partnerships in bridging the gap between research and industry, particularly in areas like smart agriculture, alternative energy, and post-harvest technology.
Professor Dr. AK Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, Vice-Chancellor of BAU, noted that Bangladesh has entered the era of agricultural mechanization, aligning with global trends. He emphasized that mechanization is not just an opportunity but a necessity for achieving sustainable and environment-friendly agriculture. He highlighted the importance of mechanization in various sectors, including crop production, livestock, fisheries, and rural development, noting that these advancements would not only boost productivity but also create employment opportunities.
The conference featured six technical sessions, one business session, and two poster sessions, with research papers from 160 presenters. Four major topics were presented in the plenary session, and the best papers and posters will be awarded and published in the Journal of Agricultural Machinery and Bioresources Engineering (JAMBE). A special agricultural machinery fair was organized at BAU’s helipad, showcasing modern agricultural machinery and technologies from eight renowned institutions, including the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI).
This event underscored the growing importance of technological advancements in agriculture and their potential to transform the industry into a more sustainable and efficient sector in Bangladesh. The conference served as a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation, paving the way for a future where technology and agriculture go hand in hand.
