Bangladesh seeks US technical support to modernise agriculture, fisheries, livestock
Agriculture Minister Amin Ur Rashid says Bangladesh wants to expand soybean cultivation, improve livestock production and work towards exporting USDA-certified organic food.
Bangladesh has sought technical assistance from the United States to modernise its agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors, boost production and ensure food safety.
Agriculture and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid made the request today (11 August) during an exchange of views with an executive delegation of the US-Bangladesh Business Council at the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock conference room in Dhaka, according to a press release.
The minister said modern technology and technical expertise from the US could help increase production, expand agricultural exports and reduce Bangladesh's dependence on imports.
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Bangladesh's soil, climate and geographical conditions are highly favourable for agricultural production, he said.
Citing soybean as an example, Amin said domestic production could be increased by expanding cultivation in char and island areas.
He said advanced technology and technical assistance would be necessary to achieve this goal.
The government is also taking initiatives to introduce modern technologies in the livestock sector, improve grass production, ensure better animal nutrition and strengthen disease prevention, he said.
The minister said safe food production is a government priority and that efforts to increase agricultural output must go hand in hand with protecting the health of farmers and consumers.
The government is placing particular emphasis on the safe use of pesticides, he added.
Amin said the government plans to establish certified organic farms and work towards exporting USDA-certified organic food in the future.
During the meeting, representatives of the US-Bangladesh Business Council expressed interest in expanding investment, technology transfer and commercial cooperation in Bangladesh's agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors.
They said they wanted to work with the Bangladesh government as a constructive and responsible partner and were ready to support its priorities and future plans.
The representatives also highlighted the potential to expand bilateral trade, saying there was scope to create greater opportunities for Bangladeshi exporters in the US market and for US exporters in Bangladesh.
They stressed the need for stronger cooperation between the two countries to realise this potential.
