Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Saber Hossain Chowdhury said present government under the visionary leadership of honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working committedly to promoting climate-resilient crops. Climate-smart crops offer a promising option for ensuring food security in our coastal communities.
Environment Minister said this while Dr. Pratibha Singh, South Asia Regional Director of the Australian Center for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR), met with Bangladesh’s Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, in his office at Bangladesh Secretariat on today. Dr. Mrinmoy Guha Neogi, Deputy Project Leader, University of Western Australia also present in the occasion.
Minister Chowdhury welcomed ACIAR’s collaboration and said the salt tolerant crops can provide much-needed food and income, even in areas where traditional crops fail. Salt-tolerant wheat and pulses have the potential to make a significant difference for farmers in southern Bangladesh.
Dr. Pratibha Singh, South Asia Regional Director of the Australian Center for International Agriculture Research said the ACIAR is committed to supporting research and development of climate-resilient crops that can thrive in challenging environments. It is also committed to working with Bangladeshi partners to develop and disseminate these technologies.
The meeting focused on exploring ways to improve food security and livelihoods for farmers in coastal regions affected by salinity intrusion. The discussion highlighted the need for further research and extension activities to bring salt-tolerant wheat and pulses to farmers’ fields.
Later Uma Bhattacharya, trustee of Swaniti Initiative, a New Delhi-based research Foundation, met with Environment Minister in his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
