Sisir Mahanta

Bangladesh Agricultural University | sisirmahanta@yahoo.com

Dr. Tong Wang

SDSU Extension Advanced Production Specialist
Harding Hall 201
Economics-Box 2220
University Station
Brookings, SD 57007

Dear Madam,
I appreciate this opportunity to provide further information in support of my application for
master’s research assistantship position starting fall semester 2020 at South Dakota State
University. My previous scientific research experience helped me to develop my methodology,
data analysis, and research techniques, and I am confident I have the necessary skills to be a great
addition to your research team.
I have completed Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from
Bangladesh Agricultural University which is the largest agricultural university in South Asia.
During my post graduation I worked for an Australian Center for International Agricultural
Research (ACIAR) funded project entitled as “Promoting Socially Inclusive and Sustainable
Agricultural Intensification in West Bengal (India) and Southern Bangladesh (SIAGI)” as a
“Research Assistant”. Southern regions of Bangladesh are mainly coastal areas where mono-
cropping was practiced formerly due to a shortage of fresh water for irrigation. The farmers were
not interested in rabi crops specially winter vegetables because they were not sure about the
economic feasibility of these crops. My main responsibilities were to encourage the farmers about
rabi season cropping specially winter vegetables, collect and keep records of costs and returns of
the crops grown by the farmers, analyze the recorded data when necessary, arrange and attend
project meetings, different workshops and prepare progress reports. I individually conducted a MS
thesis within the objectives of the project entitled "Economic and Social Benefit of Growing
Peanut instead of Boro Rice in a Sweet Water Scarce Area of Bangladesh" under the guidance of
Professor Dr. Hasneen Jahan. I have been awarded National Science and Technology (NST)
fellowship for my research work. I have presented my research at the "International Conference
on Sustainable Agriculture (ICSA 2019)" which is under process of publication now.
Study in USA will allow me to acquire updated knowledge about Economics and would serve as
a bridge between language and cultural exchange and relationships between students of different
countries. I have sufficient knowledge on Economics and Statistics related subjects and different
statistical programs like Microsoft Excel, STATA, MATLAB etc. After reading the requirements
carefully, I believe that it perfectly matches my research interests and profile. Being a hardworking
and committed student, I am confident that I will be able to cope with the requirements and play a
significant part in your research team.

Sisir Mahanta