Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has proposed to increase the transfer of sophisticated technologies such as biotechnology, nanotechnology and robotics in agriculture and exchange of knowledge among the Asia-Pacific countries.
She made the proposal at the 36th Asia and Pacific Regional Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on Thursday (March 10th).
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is on a visit to Abu Dhabi at the invitation of UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, attended the international conference from her residence over there.
Speaking at the conference, she called upon all to work together to ensure food for the hungry people of South Asia. At the same time, in order to achieve this goal, the Head of Government of Bangladesh has proposed to the countries of the region to increase agricultural research and education cooperation among themselves, exchange technology and form special regional funds for agricultural finance.
Emphasizing the importance of research, the Prime Minister said, “Our scientists have developed varieties of flood-resistant and salinity-tolerant crops that can be grown in harsh environments.”
Noting that agriculture for livelihood is now being transformed into commercial agriculture in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina said, “To ensure sustainable production, we are moving towards state-of-the-art agricultural practices including mechanization, floating agriculture, rooftop farming, hydroponic and aeroponic farming and integrated farming.”
In her speech, the Prime Minister highlighted the initiative to open bank accounts for farmers at Tk 10 from mobile phones.
