CABI PlantwisePlus and DAE Conduct Training to Enhance Plant Clinic Services with Digital Tools
Tribunal Desk
CABI PlantwisePlus, in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), organized a one-day refresher training on "Revitalizing Plant Clinic Activities Using the DCA App" at the National Agricultural Training Academy (NATA) on November 2, 2024. Chaired by Md. Abdur Rahim, Director General of NATA, and with Dr. F M Mahbubur Rahman as the chief guest, the event aimed to advance plant health monitoring across Bangladesh through digital solutions.
The training, which brought together plant doctors from various regions, focused on utilizing CABI digital tools for effective data collection, pest diagnosis, pest management and clinic activity monitoring. Session on Opening Remarks and Workshop Overview – Led by Dr. Saleh Ahmed, Country Representative-Bangladesh, CABI highlighted the workshop’s objectives and the crucial role of plant clinics in Bangladesh's plant health ecosystem. Following sessions covered DCA app functionalities, hands-on data entry exercises, and troubleshooting techniques to streamline plant clinic operations.
Key facilitators, including Mohammed Shafiuzzaman, Dr. Manju Thakur, Crop Health Advisor, CABI, Prof. Dr. Shaef Ullah, Entomology Department, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Prof. Abu Noman Faruk, Pathology Department, Sher-E-Bangla Agricucltural University, Md. Tawhidul Islam Khan and Homaira Jahan Sonom, Programme Officer, CABI guided participants through practical applications and best practices for data quality improvement.
During group discussions, attendees shared field insights and drafted actionable plans for implementing the DCA app's features in their clinics. In closing remarks, Dr. Saleh Ahmed underscored the critical role of data-driven agriculture, while Md. Abdur Rahim and Dr. F M Mahbubur Rahman applauded the participants' dedication to strengthening plant health services.
This training initiative reflects a joint commitment by CABI and DAE to enhance agricultural resilience in Bangladesh, supporting farmers with timely pest diagnosis and sustainable crop management practices.
