Abdur Rahim (scientist)

Professor Dr. Md. Abdur Rahim is a Bangladeshi horticultural scientist, agricultural researcher, and academic. He is known for his contributions to fruit tree improvement, plant genetic resource conservation, agrobiodiversity, and sustainable horticultural practices in Bangladesh. He currently serves as a Professor and Head of the Department of Agricultural Science at Daffodil International University (DIU).^[1]

He previously served as a long-time faculty member at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), where he played a central role in establishing the BAU Germplasm Centre and advancing national fruit research programs.^[2]

Rahim completed his higher education in agriculture and horticulture from Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. He earned:

PhD in horticulture, University of London (1988)^[3]

Post-Doctoral Fellowship, USA

MSc in horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University (1982)

BSc in agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University (1980)^[3]

Rahim began his academic career as an Agriculture Advisor at the Ministry of Agriculture (1980–1982). He later joined Bangladesh Agricultural University, where he spent decades teaching horticulture, agroforestry, crop diversity, and agricultural conservation.

Notably, he served as:

Director, BAU Germplasm Center (1991–present)^[4]

Director, HORTEX Foundation Bangladesh (2014–present)

Program/Project Director, Fruit Tree Improvement Program (UGC, SDC, USDA, DANIDA, GCDT)

Consultant, FAO, USAID-AVC, Ford Foundation, CGIAR-AAS, WorldFish, Biodiversity International, USDA-ARS

His research collaborations include the University of Wisconsin, University of Florida, USDA-ARS, and multiple CGIAR agencies.

He joined Daffodil International University as Professor and Head of Agricultural Science, continuing his research in horticulture, plant biotechnology, and crop diversity.

Rahim's work spans horticulture, fruit improvement, and agrobiodiversity. His key contributions include:

• Directing one of Bangladesh's largest fruit germplasm collections at BAU.^[5]
• Leading the development and field adaptation of the “BAU Kul-1” fruit variety (1999–2003).^[6]
• Conducting long-term research on mango, jackfruit, garlic, onion and carrot improvement with national and international partners.^[7]
• Leading nationwide studies on agrobiodiversity, dietary diversity and food safety in coastal and hill regions.^[8]
• Publishing more than 300 scientific papers, technical reports and manuals in horticultural science.^[9]

Rahim has authored hundreds of scholarly works. Selected examples include:

Rahim, M. A. (2012–2014). Studies on Agrobiodiversity in Southern Bangladesh — Biodiversity International/CGIAR-AAS/WorldFish.

Rahim, M. A. (2014). Use of hazardous chemicals in fruits and vegetables — International Conference on Food Safety and Security.

Rahim, M. A. & Fordham, R. (1990–1998). Series of studies on garlic growth and development — Acta Horticulturae, Scientia Horticulturae, Bangladesh Journal of Agriculture.

Rahim, M. A. et al. (2014). Indigenous fruits of Bangladesh — BAS-USDA funded.

Rahim, M. A. & others (2013). Underutilized Vegetables in Bangladesh — RDA Korea.

More works available on ResearchGate.^[10]

Rahim has received numerous national and international recognitions, including:

Bangabandhu Krishi Padak (Gold Medal) – 2014

Prime Minister's gold medal for National Fruit Research – 2013

Prime Minister's gold medal for National Tree Research – 2012

Prime Minister's gold medal for Fruit Tree Planting – 2004

BAS Gold Medal, Bangladesh Academy of Sciences – 2012^[11]

BAAG Gold Medal – 2016

Norman E. Borlaug International Science & Technology Award – 2008

Lifetime Achievement Awards (Channel i 2021, RTV 2018)

Multiple national recognitions (Mother Teresa, Helen Keller, Atish Dipankar, etc.)

Rahim is regarded as one of Bangladesh's leading horticultural scientists, with long-standing contributions to fruit research, agrobiodiversity, and sustainable agricultural development. His leadership at BAU and DIU has shaped national policy, agricultural research programs, and the training of future agricultural scientists.