‘Sustainable agri growth must be part of 2030 agenda’

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development clearly marks the path to prosperity and sustainable agriculture growth must be a part of it, Robert D Simpson, Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) representative in Bangladesh, has said.

“To leave no one behind, transformative action is required, adopting sustainable principles and addressing the core causes of poverty and hunger,” he told a workshop jointly organised by the FAO and the agriculture ministry in Mymensingh to finalise the thematic areas for investment in transforming agriculture in the northern region.

The workshop results support a holistic strategy that considers the connections, trade-offs, and priority areas for agricultural transformation in the northern region, said a press release on Monday.

The discussion at the workshop identified the partners to collaborate on future joint initiatives and investment. Priorities range from normative, advocacy and policy support activities to research and development projects.

Agricultural transformation in northern Bangladesh is essential for determining government and development partner investment priorities and challenges.

Due to the extensive flooding and disadvantageous location, high population density, and widespread poverty, the population of this region is more vulnerable, with the majority of rural households being dependent on climate-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture and fishing.

Strengthening agricultural production and income opportunities through agricultural transformation reduces poverty, ensures sustainable food security, and can improve livelihoods for the food insecure and vulnerable population in these regions.

In order to achieve transformation in the agri-food systems, the FAO introduced a holistic approach, which demands complementary efforts from relevant sectors.

The FAO along with the Ministry of Agriculture engages stakeholders throughout the key sectors and geographic areas of the country using multi-level consultative and participatory techniques.

As part of the FAO’s Hand in Hand (HiH) programmes, an investment forum will be hosted at the FAO headquarters from October 17 to 19. 15 countries will exchange investment ideas centred on areas with significant agricultural potential at the sub/national level.

A series of consultation workshops, including this one, have been organised by the FAO as part of the build-up to the October event.