Activities

DEBTEC - Development of Biotechnology and Environmental Conservation Centre was founded in 1998 to work exclusively in the field of biotechnology and environment related research work. Today its work has expanded into homestead gardening, environmental conservation, climate change, Tissue Culture, DNA Finger Printing and conservation and promotion of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants.

DEBTEC's work in linking the market potential of medicinal plants and aromatic plants as well as orchids, banana, potato and ornamental plants with the farmers is very appreciated by the agriculture sector. DEBTEC is also a pioneer in brining the technology of tissue culture into the mainstream of agriculture production and for its strong advocacy for environment friendly means of cultivation such as organic fertilizer and bio fertilizer.

The organisation has implemented many plantation programs of which the most successful has been the concept of Backyard Home Garden with Medicinal Plants & Primary Health Care & Ex-Situ Conservation in four regions, namely - Natore, Modhupur, Tangail and Laxmipur. The success of this concept was recognized when DEBTEC was invited to establish such a Backyard Home Garden called "Banassray" at the Prime Minster's Office. DEBTEC's use of youth in documenting indigenous traditional knowledge, its advocacy of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (MAPs) from the field to the policy level, its role in soliciting Government support on MAP based activities, its involvement in Biotechnology and Biosafety policies, and its determination to create awareness on the impact of GMO and LMO issues are seen as critical in ensuring the conservation and promotion of biodiversity.

While recognizing the importance of establishing relevant policies, DEBTEC, throughout its journey strived to equip all actors with all the information and skills required to implement these policies at field level. It has worked to educate the youth, policymakers and grass root people on Environment & Biotechnology through different training, workshops and seminars. The organisation is committed to ensuring the training of tomorrow's scientists. To this end it provides laboratory facilities to the students of different universities on Biotechnology and Environmental research for M.Sc and Ph D Degrees.