Bangladesh to discuss future cooperation for agriculture transformation in Netherlands

Riaz Hamidullah, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the Netherlands

Key global actors are gathering at the leading global agri-science University, Wageningen University, in Netherlands to discuss future issues and scenarios and ways to transform Bangladesh agriculture said a press release.

When Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited the Netherlands (November 2015), the 2nd largest agro-food exporter globally, she stressed that the agriculture sector should be a key priority in cooperation with the Netherlands, particularly to introduce some of the transformative technology, innovation and research capabilities to Bangladesh.

During the past two years, Bangladesh has been increasingly engaging with the leading global Agri-science university, Wageningen University.

In 2022, Bangladesh Embassy in The Hague held a first-ever open discussion, together with the University, on 'Future of Bangladesh Agriculture', particularly to present potential opportunities before the global agri-business community about Bangladesh.

In 2023, Prime Minister sanctioned funds to undertake three transformative projects with the University to address some of the major challenges faced by small - marginal farmers in Bangladesh.

In order to present the opportunities in Bangladesh agriculture before the global agri-tech and agri-business community, on 6th May, Agriculture Ministry and Bangladesh Embassy are convening a Round Table at the prestigious University, supported by Saskatchewan University. FAO, World Bank, Gates Foundation will also join.

This RT will focus on four key action tracks – improving productivity, farm mechanisation, building resilient supply chain and meeting skill gaps – in Bangladesh agriculture.

At the end, in presence of scientists-researchers-business, all sides will try to launch a few action-oriented initiatives to pilot at the grassroots in Bangladesh.

Agriculture Minister, Dr Abdus Shahid, will lead the Bangladesh delegation, joined by Agriculture Secretary and Executive Chairman of BARC.