Bangladesh Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque said the country must think of new research in agriculture in order to adapt to the changing world situation.

He delivered the remarks at an online briefing – ‘One CGIAR’ – organised by Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

Welcoming One CGIAR’s commitment to creating a hunger-free world, the minister said the government of Bangladesh will fully support this initiative in the future.

Bangladesh Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque directed officials to visit flood-affected areas, and monitor and supervise field activities in order to recoup farmers’ losses.

“Affected farmers are facing uncertainty, and effective work is needed to minimise losses after water recedes,” the minister said.

It is to be noted that Bangladesh government has formed 14 committees to speed up monitoring as well as cooperation, including disbursement of fertiliser and seeds.

The committees have also started monitoring the incentive package announced by the government to minimise losses of farmers.

Bangladesh Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque asked his ministry officials to design big projects to face the fallout of Covid-19 pandemic. He stressed the need for new technology and innovation of new variety of crops as well as increasing production of saline-tolerant rice in the country’s coastal areas.

“It’ll have to undertake big pragmatic projects in the agricultural sector to face the possible food crisis likely to be caused by this disaster (coronavirus),” he said.