Being a development journalist for three decades, I've had the opportunity of meeting many dedicated officers who stand by local inhabitants and farmers. But today, I'll introduce you to a Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer (SAAO) of the Department of Agricultural Extension who really stands out amongst the lot. He's a very creative officer who is truly committed to the growth of rural farmers -- his communication with them has to be seen with one's own eyes to be believed. Fourteen years back, he thought of building a pest diagnostic centre. Farmers would then be able to learn about unknown pest attacks as well as varied crop diseases, along with friendly and enemy insects. Now, at the Union Parishad building of Dulla Union, in Mymensingh's Muktagachha, he now has that centre. When he came here, the Chairman gave him a small room and then he built this centre gradually over time.

A small room, 12 by 12 feet, is a room of prospect and admiration. What is not here in this room? A place where samples of different plant diseases and the pests which affect the plants, are kept in bottles and a library as well. Collection of colourful butterflies, arrangement for measuring the quality of fertilizer and identifying adulterated ones. Agricultural learning and strategies- all takes place in this little room. All these initiatives are for farmers and for farming. A man who loved farming throughout his life, with all his dreams, hope and efforts, Selim Reza, one dynamic Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer (SAAO) among 13,224 others across the country.