The International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC), in collaboration with Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU), convened a high-level roundtable at the Hotel Sheraton Dhaka on April 30, 2026, to address the critical intersection of global supply chain disruptions and national food security.
The session brought together global experts and policy leaders to formulate a roadmap for navigating the "4F Nexus"— Fuel, Fertilizer, Feed, and Food, amidst escalating energy constraints.
The participants emphasized the urgent need to diversify procurement through non-Hormuz corridors, identifying Algeria as a key potential partner.
Beyond immediate supply concerns, the dialogue focused on transitioning Bangladesh toward a resilient, low-carbon agricultural model. Experts advocated for the scaling of Fertilizer Deep Placement (FDP), precision agriculture, and balanced fertilization, including bio-fertilizers, to double nutrient use efficiency and reduce heavy chemical dependency.
A significant highlight of the roundtable was the identification of climate-smart technologies, such as solar irrigation and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), as a strategic gateway for Bangladesh to enter global carbon markets. Leaders noted that by quantifying emission reductions and utilizing the "Farmer’s Card" for inclusive subsidy targeting, the country can unlock new climate financing and maintain high-yield production despite global volatility.
The roundtable concluded with a unified call for rapid policy intervention and enhanced public-private coordination to synchronize energy-efficient irrigation with mechanized fertilization. This commitment aims to establish a robust agricultural framework that protects national food security while attracting significant global climate investment.
The event featured the secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture as chief guest. Distinguished participants included senior leadership from BCIC, BADC, BARC, DAE, and SAARC, alongside representatives from the World Bank, FAO, EU, the High Commission of Canada, the Netherlands and USDA.
Participants from academia, and the private sector contributed to an outcome-oriented dialogue. IFDC President & CEO, Henk van Duijn, joined virtually and delivered the global reflection of this conversation.
Dr Rafiqul I Mohamed, secretary, Ministry of Agriculture: "Our immediate priority is ensuring the uninterrupted supply of fertilizer for the upcoming seasons. We are actively diversifying our procurement corridors toward non-Hormuz routes while scaling climate-smart technologies to reduce our dependency on costly imports. The technical support from partners like IFDC, FAO, and the World Bank, alongside private sector leaders like ACI, is vital for our national food security."
Henk van Duijn, president and CEO, IFDC: "We must act with urgency to adopt science-driven, climate-smart technologies that restore soil health. By scaling farmer-centred solutions like Fertilizer Deep Placement (FDP), we can simultaneously enhance crop yields and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring Bangladesh remains a global leader in agricultural sustainability."
Jean Pesme, divisional director, World Bank: "Integrating solar irrigation and AWD is not just about building resilience—it is about creating tangible value. These low-carbon production models offer Bangladesh a unique and timely opportunity to access international carbon markets, rewarding farmers for environmental stewardship while securing the nation’s food future."
Dr Md Mahmudur Rahman, additional secretary (PPC Wing), Ministry of Agriculture: "The '4F Crisis' requires a highly coordinated, inter-ministerial response. We are focusing on bridging the gas supply gaps for domestic production while streamlining emergency financing mechanisms. Our goal is to move from reactive spot-market procurement to structured, long-term supply agreements that provide the stability our agricultural sector needs to thrive under global energy constraints."
Dr Jiaoqun Shi, FAO representative in Bangladesh: "Current disruptions necessitate a shift toward more efficient, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems. By mobilizing larger investments into catalytic climate-smart projects, we can ensure better production and a better environment."
Dr FH Ansarey, president, ACI Agribusiness: "The private sector stands ready to supplement government efforts in securing the agricultural value chain. By integrating precision mechanization and organic fertilizer (bio fertilizer) blends, we can help farmers achieve balanced fertilization. This transition not only boosts productivity but also establishes the low-carbon crop production standards necessary for Bangladesh to successfully enter and benefit from global carbon markets."
Debra Boyce, senior trade commissioner, High Commission of Canada: "Canada recognizes the systemic challenges posed by global supply chain volatility. This is a critical moment for Bangladesh to shift its procurement model toward more sustainable, long-term agreements. We are committed to facilitating trade mechanisms that ensure a reliable flow of essential inputs, supporting Bangladesh’s journey toward a more resilient and climate-smart agricultural system."
