The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations with the Ministry of Agriculture recently organized a consultation workshop on “Investment for Agricultural Transformation in Bangladesh” in Barisal.
The southern region of Bangladesh accounts for about a third of the country’s landmass and is home to more than 35 million people. Almost half of the southern zone is open to the sea. It also has a different water management system and cropping patterns than the rest of Bangladesh, according to a press release issued on Wednesday.
Strengthening agricultural production and income opportunities through agricultural transformation will reduce poverty, ensure sustainable food security, and improve livelihoods for deprived communities in climate-variable locations.
In order to achieve transformation in food and agriculture systems, FAO introduced a holistic approach to agri-food system coordination, which demands complementary efforts from relevant sectors.
FAO with the Ministry of Agriculture is engaging stakeholders on food and agriculture transformation processes throughout the key sectors and geographic areas of the country using multi-level consultative and participatory techniques.
The consultation workshop was organized to identify priorities and investment areas, which are vital to farmers and food producers to transform agriculture in southern Bangladesh.
As part of FAO’s Hand in Hand (HiH) programs, an “Investment Forum” will be hosted at FAO Headquarters from October 17 to 19. Fifteen countries will exchange investment ideas centered on areas with significant agricultural potential at the sub/national level.
Several workshops, including this one, have been scheduled as part of the buildup to the Investment Forum event in October 2022.
Robert D Simpson, FAO representative in Bangladesh added: “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development clearly marks the path to prosperity. To leave no one behind, transformative action is required, adopting sustainable principles and addressing the core causes of poverty and hunger. Sustainable agriculture growth must be a part of this agenda.”
Minister of Agriculture, Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque was present at the event as Chief Guest. Dr Debasish Sarker, director general, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Dr Md Shahjahan Kabir, director general, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Md Amin ul Ahsan, divisional commissioner (additional secretary) Barisal, Md Benojir Alam, director general, Department of Agricultural Extension, Bolai Krishna Hajra, additional secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and AFM Hayatullah, chairman, Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation were among the special guest of the event.
The occasion was presided over by Md Sayedul Islam, secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Robert D Simpson, FAO representative in Bangladesh was present as the guest of honour.
