A world-class modern tissue culture laboratory is under construction at the Balaghata Horticulture Centre in Bandarban Sadar Upazila, raising hopes among agricultural experts for a new era of technology-driven farming in the hill districts.
Agriculturists say the facility will go beyond basic plant propagation, opening up opportunities for research on hill-suitable crops, development of new varieties, preservation of mother plants, and innovation in modern agricultural technology. High-value crops such as orchids, exotic flowers, fruits, hill spices, and climate-resilient varieties are expected to be key research areas.
Advanced Research Facilities
The project, being implemented under the Department of Agricultural Extension’s Tissue Culture Laboratory-cum-Horticulture Centre development initiative, includes modern infrastructure such as:
- Media preparation room
- Inoculation and transfer room
- Culture and growth room
- Acclimatization and hardening zones
- Glasshouse facilities
- Specialized research and training spaces
Officials said the facility has been designed to meet international standards for advanced agricultural research.
Boost to High-Quality Seedling Production
Agricultural experts note that tissue culture technology enables the rapid production of large quantities of disease-free and genetically identical seedlings, which can increase crop yield, reduce disease risks, and lower production costs for farmers.
Farmers and Women See New Opportunities
Local farmer Ningsathui Marma from Rajbila area in Bandarban said they often face problems with poor-quality seedlings.
“Many seedlings we buy from outside are not healthy and often get diseases. If we can get tissue culture seedlings here, it will greatly benefit hill farmers,” he said.
Women farmers also expressed optimism. Nagchobi Tanchangya, a farmer from Ward No. 2 of Bandarban Sadar Union Parishad, said the project could open new opportunities for women entrepreneurs in agriculture.
“If this lab becomes operational, women can also become agricultural entrepreneurs using improved seedlings,” she said.
Unique Architecture and Eco-Friendly Design
The building’s design is inspired by the cell nucleus, reflecting the core concept of biology. Officials said the structure incorporates modern and eco-friendly planning, with ceramic bricks and iron chips used to ensure proper natural light circulation and reduce humidity inside the facility.
Officials Highlight Research Vision
Project Director Talha Zubair Masrur said the initiative aims to create a knowledge-based platform for future agriculture.
“Our goal is to ensure disease-free quality seedlings for hill farmers, promote entrepreneurship, and bring research closer to the field,” he said.
Balaghata Horticulture Centre Deputy Director Liton Debnath said around 80% of the construction work has already been completed, with special care taken to maintain temperature, humidity, cleanliness, and sterilized conditions.
Experts Highlight Future Potential
Agricultural scientists believe the lab will play a key role in producing high-quality planting materials.
Professor Emeritus Dr. M.A. Rahim of Bangladesh Agricultural University said tissue culture can ensure large-scale production of reliable and disease-free seedlings.
Professor Dr. Abu Noman Faruk Ahmed of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University added that hill regions have huge potential for high-value fruits, flowers, spices, and export-oriented crops, which can significantly contribute to the national economy if supported by modern technology.
