UNB, Dhaka :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday proposed formation of an International Seed Bank to avert food crisis in future.
She made the proposal when Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director General Qu Dongyu called on her at Ganabhaban in Dhaka, according to a release of PM’s press wing.
She also told the DG of FAO to form a consolidated fund for taking projects on digitisation and innovation and Bangladesh is ready to contribute to it.
She recalled her participation in the World Food Summit in November 1996, just after forming her government when Bangladesh was suffering from a severe food shortage.
She mentioned that after just two years, Bangladesh became self-sufficient in food production due to her government’s relentless efforts.
She reiterated that achieving food security was her first priority as the country was facing various challenges with a huge population and scarcity of cultivable land.
Sheikh Hasina said scientists and researchers of Bangladesh are doing a great job in developing different species of crops tolerant to salt, drought and water logging.
“After achieving food security, her government is now focusing on ensuring nutrition for all,” she said, adding that she has been working to transform the country into a hunger- and poverty-free nation where people will get a better life.
She stressed the need for developing food storage capacity and food processing techniques to tackle any possible disaster like the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
She suggested the director general look forward to addressing different issues in a more inclusive and sustainable manner.
FAO DG Qu Dongyu expressed satisfaction over the successful hosting of the 36th FAO Regional Conference for Asia and Pacific (APRC) in Dhaka.
He lauded Sheikh Hasina’s visionary leadership in achieving food security in various kinds of food- cereals, vegetables, animal protein, etc.
He reiterated the ceaseless support of FAO in the development endeavours of Bangladesh’s agriculture sector.
He reassured that the existing cooperation will continue with a more robust, innovative, and digital approach.
He invited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to participate in the World Food Forum which will be held from October 3-7 in Rome, Italy as a plenary speaker.
