Agricultural issues to the fore
Hridoye Mati O Manush is originally a remake of the popular BTV programme which dealt with agricultural issues. Although many features of the programme have been changed, its popularity remains undimmed.
According to Seraj, "Once my target-audience were mostly the rural farmers and I advised them on ways to improve their agricultural activities. At present, my audience is not just the farmers, it now includes the traders and investors too. That's why I have shifted my emphasis to these different aspects."
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Over 75 episodes of the show have already been aired. These deal with different contemporary issues such as marketing of agricultural goods, increasing the farmers' understanding on agriculture-related policies, curtailing the power of the middlemen, using new technology in agriculture, transforming agriculture into a profitable industry and overall advancement of agriculture in our country.
To keep countrymen abreast of agricultural development at the international level, Seraj has already filmed many episodes of Hridoye Mati O Manush in countries such as the Philippines, Thailand and recently in China. In China, he has focused on the research on hybrid rice that increases the productivity of rice substantially. These episodes on Chinese agriculture will be aired from September 10 at 9:35pm.
In view of the positive and enthusiastic response from viewers, Seraj has launched another programme scheduled to air fortnightly: Hridoye Mati O Manusher Dak where viewers' letters are answered.
Shykh Seraj has received the Ekushey Padak along with three other National Awards, namely, National Youth Award, Fisheries Award and Poultry Award. He was awarded USA Ashoka Fellow in 1993. In recognition of his contribution to the agricultural sector, Young Asia Television of Sri Lanka produced a documentary on him.
Today Shykh Seraj turns 51. The Culture Desk of The Daily Star extends warm greetings to him on this occasion.