Seminar highlights role of water in Bangladesh’s food systems
Effective water management is crucial for food security, rural livelihoods, and climate resilience in Bangladesh, speakers said at a seminar in Dhaka on Sunday.
The seminar on Water Management for Improved Agriculture was organised by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).
Government officials, development partners, agricultural experts, researchers, and farmer representatives emphasized the importance of integrating water management with nutrition, climate adaptation, and market access to achieve sustainable outcomes for rural communities.
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Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and chief guest at the event, said: "The Government of Bangladesh is working relentlessly to ensure food security for our growing population. We are developing a long-term Agriculture Outlook 2050 strategy to ensure safe and nutritious food for both human and non-human consumption. To achieve this, efficient water management, climate adaptability, and smart agriculture must be taken into account."
Dr Jiaoqun Shi, FAO Representative in Bangladesh, said: "In the face of climate change, salinisation and irregular rainfall, the way we manage water today will not only determine the resilience and productivity of our food systems tomorrow but also reduce current and future water crises exacerbated by population growth and climate change."
Officials from the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) stressed that while extension services are ready to promote climate-smart technologies, sustainable results will require modernized irrigation systems, reduced water losses, and stronger local institutions.
"Infrastructure alone is not enough. For lasting impact, we need empowered farmer institutions, coordinated government action, and innovative financing," said Dr Valantine Achancho, Country Director of IFAD Bangladesh.
Panel discussions presented technical, governance, and investment perspectives, with a focus on efficient irrigation, crop diversification, joint seasonal planning, and innovative financing models.
The seminar presented data indicating that canal construction and rehabilitation resulted in a 23–37 percent increase in crop production and a 18–25 percent rise in crop revenue. Additionally, flood protection dykes increased crop revenue by 33 per cent and crop diversification by up to 31 per cent in flood-prone areas. These results demonstrate the measurable impact of integrated water management practices.
The event concluded with a clear recommendation: integrate successful field interventions into national policies and investment plans, prioritizing collaboration and innovation to optimise future water management and drive sustainable rural impact.
