‘Agri transformation key to southern dev’

To assess the challenges and investment priorities of the government and development partners, agricultural transformation in southern Bangladesh is extremely important, said speakers at a workshop.

They said strengthening agricultural production and income opportunities through agricultural transformation reduces poverty, ensures sustainable food security, and improves livelihoods for deprived communities in climate-variable locations. 

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations and the agriculture ministry jointly organised the consultation workshop, styled “Investment for Agricultural Transformation in Bangladesh”, in Barishal on Wednesday, said a press release.

The consultation workshop, attended by officials from extension, research, private sector and producers organisations’ representatives, was organised to identify priorities and investments areas, which are vital to farmers and food producers to transform the agriculture in southern Bangladesh. 

The southern region of Bangladesh, home to more than 35 million people, accounts for about a third of the country's landmass. About half of the southern zone is open to the sea. It also has a distinct water management system and cropping patterns than the rest of Bangladesh.

At the event, Robert D Simpson, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, said, “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.”

Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque attended the workshop as the chief guest while Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute Director General Dr Debasish Sarker, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Director General Dr Md Shahjahan Kabir, Divisional Commissioner of Barishal Md Amin ul Ahsan, Department of Agricultural Extension Director General Md Benojir Alam, Additional Secretary to Agriculture Ministry Bolai Krishna Hajra and Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation Chairman AFM Hayatullah were the special guests.

FAO Representative in Bangladesh Robert D Simpson was the guest of honour at the event presided over by Secretary to Agriculture Ministry Md Sayedul Islam.