The goal of the 36th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), which is being held for the first time in Bangladesh, is to increase greenery in the Asia-Pacific region and ensure climate tolerant and digitalized agriculture.
Agriculture Minister Mohammad Abdur Razzque made the remarks while exchanging views with journalists at the end of the 1st session of the 1st day of the ministerial session at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka on Thursday.
Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Mohammad Shahab Uddin, Agriculture Secretary Mohammad Saidul Islam and Food Ministry Secretary Nazmanara Khanum were present.
“We place special emphasis on research and innovation to ensure food and nutrition security by tackling the adverse effects of climate change. In order to build a sustainable agri-food system, new varieties and technologies of crops need to be invented and expanded. In this conference, 48 countries are exchanging views in the light of their experience and success in this regard and will exchange technology,” said the agriculture minister.
The Minister of Agriculture said, “Digitalized agriculture is gaining importance in this conference. In
Bangladesh too, the present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working to modernize agriculture through commercialization, mechanization, and agro-processing.”
“Digitization can play a major role in everything from agricultural production to consumption, advising farmers, producing crops, harvesting, stocking, marketing and processing. Emphasis has been placed on increasing the use of advanced technologies such as computer robots. Besides, the use of technology in other aspects of weather forecasting has been discussed,” he further added.
Mentioning that it is possible to live a good life in a good environment, Dr Abdur Razzak also said that all countries agree to ensure that the food available in Asia Pacific is safe and nutritious. That issue is also being taken seriously.
Regarding Bangladesh, Abdur Razzak said that Bangladesh's agricultural production, food self-sufficiency and food security were discussed at the conference.
