Bangladesh
International Seed Bank Prime Minister proposes to establish international seed bank
Own Correspondent, Dhaka, March 14: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has proposed to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to set up an international seed bank.
She said the establishment of an international seed bank could help in dealing with food crisis in case of any natural calamity. On Sunday (March 13), FAO Director-General (DG) Qu Dongyu met with her at the Prime Minister's official residence, Ganobhaban, and that time the Prime Minister made this proposal.
In this context, Sheikh Hasina emphasized the need to consider the experience of the Netherlands as an example. At the same time, she advised the FAO's DG to form an integrated fund for the adoption of projects of digitization and innovation. The Prime Minister also said that Bangladesh is ready to contribute in this regard.
The FAO Director General invited the Prime Minister to participate as a plenary speaker at the World Food Forum to be held in Rome, Italy from October 3 to 7 this year. He also reiterated his organization's commitment to continue its support for Bangladesh's agricultural development efforts.
She also promised to continue existing collaboration with a more robust, innovative and digital approach. However, the Prime Minister expressed deep concern over the acquisition of CVF (Climate Vulnerable Forum) countries, especially SIDS (Small Island Development States) due to lack of arable land. She advised the Director General to solve their problems in a more inclusive and sustainable manner.
Reiterating her resolve, the Prime Minister said she was working to transform the country into a hunger-free, poverty-free country where people would have a better life.
Recalling her participation in the World Food Conference in November, 1996, Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh was suffering from severe food shortage immediately after the formation of her government at that time (1996). Then only two years later, due to the relentless efforts of her government, Bangladesh became capable of food production.
The FAO Director General expressed deep satisfaction over the successful organization of the 36th FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC) in Dhaka. He highlighted the far-sighted leadership of Sheikh Hasina in achieving food security of all types including food grains, vegetables and animal proteins.
