Fruit tree improvement project (FTIP) – The largest depository/germplasm centre of fruits, medicinal plants and agroforestry in Bangladesh. Initially the project was established on 1 acre of land in 1991 funded by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) whose mission was established of a seed bank and extension of technologies among the farmers. Over the past 17 years FTIP has developed a vast array of improved and conserve resources and science based appropriate technology for fruit tree propagation and managements. Currently it has been occupied 21 acres of land with the objectives:-
i) To maintain the germplasm centre (GPC) as a facility for education, research and training
ii) To conserve the germplasm resources (fruit tree, medicinal plants and associated agroforestry sp.
iii) To supply quality planting materials to various organization (DAE, BRAC, Proshika, World Vision Bangladesh, BADC, etc).
FTIP is possesses by 163 varieties of mango, 39 varieties of guava, 25 varieties of litchi, 48 varieties of citrus, 94 accession of Jackfruit, 67 species of minor fruits, 31 species of exotic fruits collected from 19 countries including 97 species of medicinal plants. FTIP has been released total 32 varieties of fruits. Recent achievement at FTIP developed ‘BAU KUL (Ziziphus mauritiana)’ which has been made a great demand all over the country. Another achievement polyembrayonic sapling of mango by which we can get easily authentic quality planning material (QPM) without vegetative propagation. Different systematic approach like sapling distribution, exchange visit, motivational tour, demonstration were performed for implementing of the project. In total 60 MS and 8 Ph.D students has completed their courses and presently 12 Ph.D and 25 MS students are doing research here form different discipline. FTIP helps to education, propagation and disseminating improved germplasm and other technologies country wide through extension GOs, NGOs and private sectors that will help the farmers to improve their economic condition as well as whole country. International organizations may exchange germplasm of fruits from this program.
Prof. M.A. Rahim briefing visitors on the different fruit varieties planted at the BAU Germplasm Collection Center during the International Conference on Fruits for Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, Poverty Reduction and Environment at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh from 29-31 March 2010