Food production will decrease in South Asian countries
Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for more than 50 percent of the population in South Asian countries. But the biggest threat to agriculture in the coming days is climate change.
Due to global warming, crop production in the Asian region could decline by 10 to 50 percent by the end of this century, which will make it difficult for a large number of marginalized people to get safe and nutritious food. That is why initiatives have been taken to integrate climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
The speakers discussed this in a meeting held at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council in the capital Dhaka. The panel also informed about a partnership project to solve the problem.
The speakers said that “This project will get implemented simultaneously in all the countries of South Asia, which will enhance the capacity and efficiency of agricultural and food-related organizations in South Asia.
This project will play an essential role in developing sustainable agriculture; will combine modern techniques and technologies to tackle climate change.
To collectively combat the effects of climate change in South Asia through developing research-based strategies, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), the International Food Policy Research Institut (IFPRI) and the SAARC Development Fund (SDF) is launched partnership project.
At the meeting, Eslardayan Wirakun, the Secretary-General of SAARC, said that “This is the first time such a regional project is launched in SAARC countries at a time when climate change has emerged as a major threat to the agricultural landscape.”
Md Abdur Razzak, the Agriculture Minister of Bangladesh, inaugurated the program. According to him, “The food security risks in South Asia need to be identified. Climate-friendly strategies and technologies need to be get mainstreamed to address the effects of climate change.”
“The project aims to benefit marginal farmers in SAARC member countries with a special focus on piloting, realizing the importance of women farmers as well as researchers, extension workers and policymakers,” the agriculture minister added.
