Nepal wants to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh to take improved varieties of rice from Bangladesh and to cooperate in agriculture.
Nepal's Ambassador in Dhaka Dr. Banshidhar Mishra expressed this interest during a meeting with Agriculture Minister Dr. Md. Abdur Razzaque, MP at the Secretariat on Tuesday. Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Md. Ruhul Amin Talukder, Deputy Secretary Makshuma Akhter, Deputy Chief of Mission Kumar Roy of the Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka were present at the time. Highlighting the success of Bangladesh in agriculture, said the minister of agriculture that Bangladesh has achieved unprecedented success in agriculture and food production. As a result of the progress of agriculture, the supply of food to the large population of the country has continued. There are more than 100 improved varieties of paddy and technology and many mega varieties in the country. Nepal can take these products from Bangladesh. In addition, initiatives will be taken to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agricultural cooperation between the two countries.
Mentioning that Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in rice production, Nepal's Ambassador Dr. Banshidhar Mishra said rice is the main food of the people of Nepal. However, Nepal is not self-sufficient in rice production. Instead, a lot of rice has to be imported every year. Therefore, using the experience of Bangladesh, Nepal wants to take Bangladeshi rice variety to increase rice production. Besides, it is necessary to sign a 'Memorandum of Understanding' for Bangladesh's cooperation in various fields of agriculture including various crops, seeds, improved varieties, technology, research, added the ambassador.
In addition, the ambassador expressing interest in direct export of hot spices including mixed ginger and cardamom to Bangladesh, said that at present these products come to Bangladesh through India causing high price in Bangladesh.
Regarding the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), the Ambassador said that Nepal's PTA agreement with Bangladesh will be signed within the next two months. Earlier, Nepal had signed a PTA agreement with Bhutan. The agreement will be signed with Bangladesh as the second country. He also said that efforts would be made to further strengthen and enhance the ongoing connectivity with Bangladesh.
The Agriculture Minister said, “Nepal is a genuine friend of Bangladesh. Bangladesh has a deep relationship with Nepal. I firmly believe that our relationship will remain intact. In the future, cooperation in all fields including economic, social and cultural will increase further”.