Global recognition for Bangladesh's atomic agriculture research institute

Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) has been honoured with the 'Outstanding Achievement Award' by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for its outstanding contribution to mutation breeding.

Besides, BINA's Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Plant Breeding Department Shamshunnahar Begum has been honoured "Women in Plant Mutation Breeding Award" for her outstanding contributions to plant mutation breeding and related biotechnology.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi formally presented the award to Muhammad Abdul Muhith, ambassador of Bangladesh to Austria, in Vienna on Monday.

Notably, IAEA has been conferring awards in three categories -- Outstanding Achievement, Unique Contribution of Women Scientists to Mutation Breeding and Young Scientist Award – among member states every six to seven years for outstanding contributions to mutation breeding.

This year, out of 173 member states of the IAEA, 11 individuals or institutions in the first category, 10 women scientists in the second category and seven young scientists in the third category have received awards.

Earlier in 2014, BINA's incumbent Director General Mirza Mofazzal Islam received the IAEA Outstanding Achievement Award in mutation breeding.

BINA DG Mirza Mofazzal said the scientists of BINA have so far developed a total of 117 varieties, including 83 mutant varieties from 18 different high yielding and improved varieties of crops applying mutation breeding, conventional breeding and other advanced techniques through peaceful use of nuclear energy.

In recognition of all these contributions, BINA and BINA scientist have been awarded, he added.