Pacific Regional Conference of FAO
Food production has played a significant role in sustaining the economies of many countries, including Bangladesh, amid the corona pandemic and climate change crisis.
In the days to come, agriculture will have to give more importance to protecting the countries of Asia and the Pacific from such dangers. The agricultural sector needs to enhance advanced technology, digital media, and research. Cooperation between states needs to expand further.
The delegates spoke these at the 36th Asia and Pacific Regional Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
They emphasize the increasing use of technology and digital media for climate change tolerant agriculture. They highlight the exchange of such technology between the member states.
Agriculture secretaries and senior government officials from 46 countries attended the conference. Md. Sayedul Islam, Secretary of the Bangladesh Agriculture department, inaugurated the session.
Sayedul Islam, in his opening remarks, said, “Organizing this conference of FAO in Bangladesh in the year of Mujib will be a milestone in the success of agricultural development of the country.
Agriculture in Asia and the Pacific face a significant challenge of climate change. It will also have a massive impact on agriculture in Bangladesh.
In this context, the conference will expand the field of exchange of knowledge, technology, and experience among the member countries and increase cooperation.”
In his speech, Jung-Jin Kim, Assistant Director-General of FAO, said,” The conference would focus on four areas for regional cooperation. Improved agricultural production and improved nutrition, and enhanced environment should ensure.”
Priority will give to sustainable use of natural resources and the development of a climate-resilient agro-food system for sustainable agriculture and conservation of biodiversity for a better life.
During the first day’s session, several countries, including Bangladesh, presented information on the continuity of agricultural production during the Corona period.
The only agricultural sector in Bangladesh has seen increased production due to the lockdown. At the same time, the creative use of digital technology in selling agricultural products and materials has increased.
However, climate change, cyclones, floods, and heavy rains have affected agriculture. Other countries of the world share similar experiences.
Representatives from 43 countries are taking part in the conference. Of these, eight countries are directly participating, and representatives of 35 countries are participating virtually.
