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To sustain current food production

Prudent steps imperative


Bangladeshpost
Published : 27 Apr 2019 06:07 PM | Updated : 07 Sep 2020 11:54 AM

Being self-sufficient in food production is indeed a great achievement for a country of 17 million people where more than 1252 people live per square kilometre. Of late, Bangladesh has achieved self-sufficiency in food production, and it is envisaged that if the country can keep the momentum of its efficacy in food production, it will play a key role in achieving five targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as zero hunger, good health and wellbeing, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, and life below water. Hence, it is very important for the government and authorities concerned to continue their concerted efforts to sustain the momentum of the country’s food production.

Bangladesh’s agriculture has seen a revolution over the last decade. We have seen substantial growth in agro-production, we have invented high-yield crops and consequently all the sub-sectors including fisheries, animal farming and processed agro-food have underscored remarkable growth that indicates a sustainable food system.

It is good to note that the government has approved the National Agriculture Policy 2018 with a view to achieving sustainable food and nutrition security through an efficient utilisation of the natural resources. Reportedly, in the last five years, meat production has increased from 23 lakh tonnes to 95 lakh tonnes and the number of egg production has increased from around 7.5 crore to 15 crore. Bangladesh has been ranked the third fish producing country in the world. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) has integrated two new high yielding paddy varieties, BRRI Dhan88 and BRRI Dhan89, which have higher yield potentials than the two popular existing rice varieties BRRI Dhan28 and BRRI Dhan29 in the country.

Bangladesh has achieved success in hunger reduction too. According to International Food Policy Research Institute, Bangladesh has ranked 88 out of 119 countries on the global hunger index, ahead of its neighbours India and Pakistan. It is needless to say that all those above achievements are the consequence of the government’s relentless efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. Prudent measures are therefore necessary from the government so that the current state of food production can be sustained as well as increased. Only then the country can hope for the achievement of sustainability in ensuring food for all.