Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said the interim government, led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, is prioritising sustainable agriculture to avert any future food crisis.
He made the remarks at a programme titled "FGD on Stewardship for Sustainable Agriculture," organised by Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) at its auditorium in the capital.
BUILD’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ferdaus Ara Begum presided over the event, while journalist SM Rashidul Islam moderated it.
“We don’t get the production from the agriculture sector which is our target due to the lack of modern technology adaptation. If we cannot achieve self-sufficiency in food production, we have to face trouble in global trade. We must increase our agricultural production so that there is no repeat of famine in the country like in 1974,” Alam said.
He pointed out that despite its small size, the Netherlands exported agricultural produce worth approximately 140 billion euros last year, thanks to advanced technology. But Bangladesh has been slow in disseminating modern agricultural techniques.
Alam noted that Prof Yunus has already engaged with the Dutch Ambassador to explore ways to maximise agricultural production and land use in Bangladesh. “The country will face multiple challenges in the future. Sustainable agriculture is no longer an option—it is a necessity for survival,” he emphasised.
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Speaking at the event, Syngenta’s Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Mohammed Shahidul Islam, stressed the need for stewardship to achieve the government’s target of $5 billion in agricultural exports by 2030.
“Our farmers work tirelessly, yet we often overlook their health. Excessive pesticide use is harmful, so we must focus on responsible farming practices,” he said.
In his keynote presentation, Prof Abu Noman Faruq Ahmmed, a Plant Pathology expert at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, described stewardship as a safe, sustainable, and responsible management approach.
“To protect our environment and public health, sustainable agricultural practices are crucial. Raising farmer awareness, providing training, and promoting best practices help minimise environmental risks, preserve soil fertility, and maintain climate balance,” he said.
BUILD CEO Ferdaus Ara Begum underscored the need to integrate stewardship into Bangladesh’s pesticide policies to enhance agricultural sustainability. She reaffirmed BUILD’s commitment to promoting and implementing stewardship practices.
“A collaborative effort among government-and private sector stakeholders is crucial for the successful implementation of stewardship, ensuring a safer and more prosperous Bangladesh for future generations. This aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 on responsible consumption and production,” she added.