The Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a consortium of international agricultural research centres, in collaboration with the government of Bangladesh launched its research portfolio on Wednesday, targeting advanced scientific innovations to help tap the potential of the country's agri-food system.
The research portfolio will have twelve multi-disciplinary initiatives including transforming agri-food systems in South Asia (TAFSSA), research for low-emission food systems to support climate adaptation and mitigation, resilient cities through sustainable urban and peri-urban agri-food systems, sustainable intensification of mixed farming and others.
It was revealed at a meeting between CGIAR and country's agricultural research organisations held at a city hotel.
Appreciating the initiative, Agriculture Minister Dr Mohammad Abdur Razzaque said the strategy focuses on delivering advanced science and innovation to transform the food, land and water system in a vulnerable climatic condition which is very important for Bangladesh now.
The government has given priority to research aiming to develop sustainable farm methods following the changing climatic condition which helps maintain sound farm production, he added.
Fisheries and Livestock Minister SM Rezaul Karim said food safety is a shared responsibility for the government, private sector, producers and consumers.
"We now focus on strengthening institutional collaboration aiming to gain knowledge and experience related to agricultural research and development," he said.
Chaired by Agriculture Secretary Md Sayedul Islam, the meeting was also addressed by CGIAR's South Asia regional director Temina Lalani-Shariff and director of USAID Mohammad Khan.
CGIAR is a platform of 15 global organisations working for agricultural research and development.
