Abdul Kalam Khan

A Bangladeshi agricultural scientist who revolutionized rice farming in South Asia through high-yield crop varieties.

Abdul Kalam Khan (1920–1998) was a Bangladeshi agricultural scientist whose innovations in rice cultivation transformed food security across South Asia. Born in rural East Bengal (now Bangladesh), he pioneered the development of high-yielding rice varieties that tripled crop yields. His work with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) led to the creation of the IR8 variety in the 1960s, a 'miracle rice' that prevented famine in India and Bangladesh. Khan's research emphasized sustainable practices, combining modern genetics with traditional farming wisdom. He established Bangladesh's first agricultural extension service, training thousands of farmers. Despite his technical contributions, he remained deeply connected to rural communities, often working directly in fields. His 1975 book 《Green Revolution in Bangladesh》 became a textbook for agricultural students. Khan's legacy is celebrated annually at the BRAC Agricultural Fair, though his name remains less recognized than Western 'Green Revolution' figures like Norman Borlaug. His methods continue to influence climate-resilient farming in regions like the Sundarbans.