Agriculture can advance through collaboration with India

India is well ahead of us in the field of agriculture and livestock and their research activities are also extensive.

We have the opportunity to take us forward in this sector through adopting their technology and research methods, exchange of research experiences, joint ventures, and training. But this requires subject-based implementation of any agreement.

We have to attach added importance to areas where there is a gap.

The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) adds to the importance of a regional relationship. Then many things are easy to implement.

Bangladesh should take this opportunity. It is possible to use this relationship to bring training directly from the country and reflect it on the field.

Bangladesh and India have renewed the MoU on bilateral cooperation in agriculture. The MoU covers research, development, production and disease prevention in agriculture, livestock, poultry and fisheries, agricultural extension, agricultural cooperatives, jute production and cultivation, seed production and distribution, pest management, biotechnology, joint ventures in agro-industry, and training.

There is also scope for mutual cooperation between India and Bangladesh on various issues including exchange of information and joint publication.

Dr Jahangir Alam Khan spoke to Shawkat Ali over the phone.

Dr Jahangir Alam Khan is an agricultural economist and former member director of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council