Food import strategy risky to meet shortage: President

He prioritises on increasing food production


FE Team | Published: February 14, 2018 19:14:30 | Updated: February 14, 2018 20:59:55


President Abdul Hamid addresses programme marking the Krishibid Day 2018 organised at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka on Wednesday. -Focus Bangla Photo

Stressing on increasing production for food security, President Md Abdul Hamid has said the strategy to meet the shortage through importing food grains is very risky.

The President came up with the statement while addressing a discussion on the occasion of the Krishibid Day 2018 organised by Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) at its auditorium in Dhaka on Wednesday.

Mentioning some strategies, the President said, "we have to take short, medium and long-term effective and sustainable plans and programmes."

Abdul Hamid also urged the country's agriculturists and researchers to invent sustainable technology-based and environment-tolerant agricultural production method using their knowledge.

"At present, the risk and cost of agricultural production have seen a rise. Traditional knowledge and technology-based agricultural production system doesn't work now," he opined.

The President urged all to pay special attention to inventing sustainable technology-based and environment-tolerant agricultural production method.

Hamid also underscored the need for introducing a method for producing various varieties of rice in Haor areas in a short period. "Besides, I think it is important to find ways to produce alternative crops."

 Mentioning that climate change has adversely affected biodiversity worldwide, he said this situation will further deteriorate if the environmental pollution is not stopped.

"The adverse impact of climate change is affecting many developing countries, including Bangladesh. Agriculturalists and researchers will have to play an effective role in overcoming the situation," the President said.

He said the crops of the vast Haor areas were submerged due to early flood last year, threatening the food production.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Narayon Chandra Chand and KIB general secretary Md Khairul Alam Prince also spoke at the programme with KIB president AMM Saleh in the chair.

Earlier, the President distributed the Krishi Padak 2017 and Krishi Padak 2018 among the recipients.

One organisation and five individuals, including a woman, received the Krishi Padak 2017, while one organisation and four individuals, including one female, were awarded the Krishi Padak 2018 in different categories.

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