He said IRRI is willing to strengthen its cooperation with Bangladesh especially in the areas of food security, nutrition, developing agricultural systems as well as realizing the challenges in agricultural sector for achieving inclusive agricultural development.

Dr Bhandari, who presented his credentials to Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, also informed that IRRI had worked closely with Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) to develop ‘Sonali Rice’ which is fortified with vitamin A.

The Foreign Minister welcomed him to Bangladesh and wished him success in discharging his responsibilities and assured him of the support of the government.

Dr Momen briefed him about the actions taken by the government under the visionary leadership of  Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to ensure food security in Bangladesh and informed him that Bangladesh had become the 4th largest producer of rice in the world attaining food self-sufficiency.

The Foreign Minister also highlighted the socio-economic development of Bangladesh since Independence in 1971 especially during the last decade under the present government, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

Dr Bhandari, a national of Nepal, has more than 15 years of experience in agricultural research-for-development focusing on rural livelihood, food security, poverty reduction, natural resources management, rice-based cropping systems, climate smart agriculture, agricultural technology adoption and impact, food value chains, agribusiness, market system development, and policy analysis.

Before joining his new role, Dr Bhandari worked as a scientist (Applied Economist) of IRRI in Bangladesh since 2010.