Responding to significant water related challenges, The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has distributed 250 low-lift pumps to 500 small and medium-scale commercial producers in Dhaka.
This effort intends to increase vegetable yield, optimize supply chains, and improve household nutrition, particularly considering the adverse consequences of the Covid-19 crisis.
The distribution occurred at two different locations in Dhaka including Poshi Hararbari Playground in Purbachal, Dhaka, and Uladaha Sports Cricket Ground in Uttara, said a press release.
The event included Rabindra Sri Barua, Additional Secretary (Extension), Ministry of Agriculture as chief guest and Badal Chandra Biswas, Director General, DAE as special guest.
This effort was as part of FAO's Support for Modeling, Planning, and Improving Dhaka's Food System project and Food Security for Households Most Affected by the Covid-19 crisis in At-Risk Low-Income Urban Areas project.
These projects are set to make a significant impact on the region by restoring disrupted supply chains caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, while enhancing food safety and security for vulnerable households.
The primary objective of the projects is to address the disruptions in food supply chains that arose due to the Covid-19 crisis.
FAO aims to achieve this by providing comprehensive safety guidelines and support to stakeholders involved in food production, market linkage, delivery, and management.
Barua thanked FAO for collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and supporting irrigation facility to the vegetables growers through use of surface water.
The projects will target 3000 smallholder farm households and 1050 small and medium scale commercial producers in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) with a focus on sustainability.
Through these initiatives, FAO aims to establish a self-sufficient and sustainable food system in Dhaka, ensuring that producers will be able to manage their operations without further assistance upon completion of the project.
Nur Ahmed Khondkar, Assistant FAO representative, stated: "We are enthusiastic to be establishing these important initiatives in Dhaka, which reflect our commitment to constructing resilient food systems and assisting vulnerable communities. By providing essential resources, safety guidelines, and support, we hope to strengthen Dhaka's local agriculture and food security."
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations remains dedicated to working with local partners, governments, and stakeholders to create a food-secure world, leaving no one behind.
