He made the call during an exchange of views with the executive delegation of the U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council at the conference room of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock today. State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, MP, was present.
The Minister said Bangladesh's soil, weather and geographical location are very favourable for agricultural production. Along with increasing production by using modern technology and technical knowledge, there are opportunities to increase export of agricultural products and reduce import dependence.
Highlighting soybean as an example, he said it is possible to increase local production by expanding soybean cultivation in the country's char (riverine island) and island areas. Improved technology and technical assistance are needed for this. In the livestock sector too, initiatives have been taken to use modern technology, produce quality grass, ensure nutrition and increase capacity to prevent diseases.
Mentioning safe food production as one of the government's top priorities, the Agriculture Minister said that along with increasing agricultural production, the health protection of farmers and consumers must be ensured. Special importance is also being given to the safe use of pesticides.
He said there is a plan to establish a certified organic farm in the country. Work is also underway with the goal of exporting USDA-certified organic food in the future.
During the exchange, representatives of the U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council expressed interest in expanding investment, technology and commercial cooperation in Bangladesh's agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors. They expressed interest in working as constructive and responsible partners with the Bangladesh government. They are ready to learn about the government's priorities and future plans and to cooperate in achieving those goals.
Minister seeks US technical assistance in modernizing agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors
Referring to the prospects of expanding mutual trade between the United States and Bangladesh, the representatives said there is potential for creating more opportunities in the US market for Bangladeshi exporters and in the Bangladeshi market for US exporters. In this regard, cooperation between the two countries needs to be further strengthened.
At that time, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Md. Delwar Hossain, Director General of the Directorate General of Livestock Md. Shahzaman Khan, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr. Md. Khaled Kanak, President of the U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council and retired Ambassador Atul Keshap, Executive Director for Middle East, North Africa and South Asia Kevin Roepke, Bangladesh Country Team Lead of the US Soybean Export Council Khabibur Rahman, and other representatives of the council were present.