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.
He previously served as a long-time faculty member at Bangladesh Agricultural University, where he played a central role in establishing the BAU Germplasm Centre and advancing national fruit research programs.
Early life and education
Rahim completed his higher education in agriculture and horticulture from Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.He earned:
PhD in horticulture, University of London
Post-Doctoral Fellowship, USA
MSc in horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University
BSc in agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University
Academic career
Rahim began his academic career as an Agriculture Advisor at the Ministry of Agriculture.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
Director, HORTEX Foundation Bangladesh
Program/Project Director, Fruit Tree Improvement Program
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.
Research and contributions
Rahim's work spans horticulture, fruit improvement, and agrobiodiversity. His key contributions include:- Directing one of Bangladesh's largest fruit germplasm collections at BAU.
- Leading the development and field adaptation of the “BAU Kul-1” fruit variety.
- Conducting long-term research on mango, jackfruit, garlic, onion and carrot improvement with national and international partners.
- Leading nationwide studies on agrobiodiversity, dietary diversity and food safety in coastal and hill regions.
- Publishing more than 300 scientific papers, technical reports and manuals in horticultural science.
Selected publications
Rahim has authored hundreds of scholarly works. Selected examples include:Rahim, M. A.. Studies on Agrobiodiversity in Southern Bangladesh — Biodiversity International/CGIAR-AAS/WorldFish.
Rahim, M. A.. Use of hazardous chemicals in fruits and vegetables — International Conference on Food Safety and Security.
Rahim, M. A. & Fordham, R.. Series of studies on garlic growth and development — Acta Horticulturae, Scientia Horticulturae, Bangladesh Journal of Agriculture.
Rahim, M. A. et al.. Indigenous fruits of Bangladesh — BAS-USDA funded.
Rahim, M. A. & others. Underutilized Vegetables in Bangladesh — RDA Korea.
More works available on ResearchGate.
Awards and honours
Rahim has received numerous national and international recognitions, including:Bangabandhu Krishi Padak – 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
BAAG Gold Medal – 2016
Norman E. Borlaug International Science & Technology Award – 2008
Lifetime Achievement Awards
Multiple national recognitions