FAO DG Ku Dongyu called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganobhaban. Picture: Collected
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has proposed to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to set up an international seed bank. She said the establishment of an international seed bank could help in tackling food crisis in any natural calamity in a century.
She made the proposal during a meeting with FAO Director General (DG) Ku Dongyu at the Prime Minister's official residence Ganobhaban on Sunday (March 13th).
The Prime Minister emphasized the need to consider the experience of the Netherlands as an example.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina advised the FAO's DG to form an integrated fund for undertaking a digitization and innovation project and said Bangladesh was ready to contribute in this regard.
The FAO Director General invited the Prime Minister to participate as a plenary speaker at the World Food Forum to be held in Rome, Italy on October 3-7 this year.
The FAO Director General reiterated his organization's commitment to continue its support for Bangladesh's agricultural development efforts.
He promised to continue the existing collaboration with a more powerful, innovative and digital approach.
The Prime Minister has expressed deep concern over the acquisition of CVF (Climate Vulnerable Forum) countries, especially SIDS (Small Island Development States) due to lack of land suitable for cultivation.
The Prime Minister advised the Director General to address their concerns in a more inclusive and sustainable manner.
The Prime Minister reiterated his resolve to work for the transformation of the country into a hunger-free, poverty-free country where people can enjoy a better life.
Recalling her participation in the World Food Conference in November 1996, Sheikh Hasina mentioned that Bangladesh was suffering from severe food shortage immediately after the formation of her government.
She mentioned that after only two years since then, due to the relentless efforts of her government, Bangladesh has become capable of food production.
She lauded the work being done by the scientists and researchers of Bangladesh in adapting to climate change - developing various species of tolerant crops like salt, drought, waterlogging etc.
She said that after achieving food security, her government is now emphasizing on ensuring nutrition for all.
She emphasized the need to focus on food preservation and food processing in the event of a disaster, such as the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic.
The FAO Director General expressed deep satisfaction over the successful organization of the 36th FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC) in Dhaka.
He highlighted the visionary leadership of Sheikh Hasina in achieving fast food security for all types of food grains, vegetables, animal proteins etc.
The FAO DG further praised the Prime Minister's strong political support in food and cash crop production.
He acknowledged Sheikh Hasina's development strategy as well as her pioneering role in women's empowerment, which is widely acclaimed internationally.
Agriculture Minister Dr. Mohammad Abdur Razzak, Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister. Ahmed Kaikaus, Agriculture Secretary Md. Saidul Islam and Bangladesh Ambassador to Rome Md. Shamim Ahsan and Assistant Press Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Sarwar-e-Alam Sarkar were present on behalf of Bangladesh at the meeting.
Maximo Torrero, chief economist at the FAO headquarters (Rome), Jung-Jin Kim, assistant director general of the FAO regional office in Bangkok, and Robert D. Simpson, FAO's representative in Dhaka, attended the meeting.
|Source: Online/KSU
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