Razi Ibrahim | Application for MS program in Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota

State University

Statement of Purpose
I am Razi Ibrahim, working as Deputy Executive (Research and Development Division) in a
local renowned seed company, from Bangladesh. I have completed my Bachelor of Science in
Agriculture from Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. I have a research interest in
crop sciences to help farmers providing profitable and sustainable production technologies.
Therefore, I am much interested in pursuing my MS degree in Plant Sciences department at
North Dakota State University which is renowned for its world class education and research in
the field of Agriculture.
As I was born and raised in a village of Bangladesh, I had close contact with the farm, farming
and agriculture from my childhood, as our family earnings were largely dependent on crop
production. I have seen the problems of crop production and the difficulties of farmers in raising
crops, closely. Hence, I had a desire to involve with agricultural education and related research to
provide better community service.
My interest towards agriculture become more strengthens when I introduced with new
agricultural technologies in my high school. When I was in 8th standard I learned about
combined culture of rice and fish in an Agricultural Fair held in my school. I performed this crop
production technology in my village as an experiment and made a good profit. I was very excited
with the result of my experiment and become determined to develop a career in the field of
agriculture.
My early fascination for Agriculture, combined with a strong liking for crop production
technology inspired me to seek admission at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU),
Mymensingh, nations best for such education. At BAU, with adequate facilities, dedicated
faculty and the wide spectrum of courses have given me good command on the fundamentals of
Agriculture. During my undergraduate study, I got introduced with the versatile field of
agriculture such as agronomy, plant pathology, soil science, agricultural chemistry,
entomology, horticulture, genetics and plant breeding. I have learned about new technologies of
crop production, crop management, weed management, seed science, soil nutrient management,
crop protection, and breeding techniques of different crops in my undergraduate. The rigorous
practical classes at BAU gave me hands on knowledge on field and lab based research of crop
science.
During my senior year of undergraduate, I along with my practical class group conducted a
research work titled Effect of Plant Spacing and Level of Nitrogen Fertilizer on BRRI Dhan
48 and BRRI Dhan 50. During this research, I have gained knowledge about field
experimental techniques and experimental designs along with randomization, data collection,
compilation, analysis and interpretation. After my graduation as recognition of my hard work
and dedication for above-mentioned research work, I got an opportunity to work in a project for

Razi Ibrahim | Application for MS program in Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota
State University
several months entitled Effect of nitrogen fertilizer on yield, chemical composition and nutritive
value of Para and German grass under the supervision of Dr. Ahmed Khairul Hasan. We
investigated the effect of different doses of nitrogen on yield and chemical composition of Para
and German grass. Through these research experiences, I have gained knowledge and expertise
on conducting field experiment.
I always wanted to be involved in applied research which can contribute farmers. Agronomy or
crop production technology is such field of agriculture which deals with current problems of the
farmers. Moreover, being a citizen of a developing country I always find that we have limited
resources and land. Hence, we have to utilize our resources properly and increase crop
production with these limited resources. Agronomy makes sure that we utilize our resources
effectively and gain the best result from crop production. Thats why I have decided to pursue
my graduate study in crop production.
I believe MS program in a world reputed university like NDSU will train and educate me with
the contemporary knowledge and techniques that I can bring back for my country. I am
particularly interested about NDSUs plant science graduate program from the website of Plant
Sciences department. Its modern and well-equipped research laboratories, state-of-the-art
facility for interdisciplinary research in plant sciences and world-class faculty certainly ensures
the best environment for education and research. I am also excited about NDSU on its limited
number of graduate students per faculty and a wide range of courses. This will give me an
excellent opportunity to keep close contact with faculty members and widen my knowledge.
Moreover, one of our faculty here in my university at Bangladesh, a former NDSU graduate
encouraged me to try NDSU plant sciences department. Fortunately, I was in touch with Dr.
Harlene Hatterman-Valenti who has inspired me to choose this area and motivated me to apply
in this program. Her fascinating and overwhelming research works on high value crop
production, especially weed control in potato, could be a good opportunity for satisfying my
dream comes true.
In addition to academics, I was also involved with several volunteer organizations. I had been
serving as a President of a free blood donation organization named Badhon for three years. I
have gained taking responsibility and working with a team during serving the organization.
My future plan is to pursue Ph.D. after completing my MS degree. My long-term goal is to
continue a career in agricultural research and teaching. I believe the courses and training at
NDSU will help me addressing existing problems of crop production successfully. I want to
devote myself in such research by which I can help the farmers in solving their existing and
upcoming hurdles of crop production. I feel that graduate study at t h e NDSU will help me
fulfill my dream. Thank you!