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A Conversation with FAO Resident Representative

by Masud Hasan Khan
THE Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) emphasises continued Investment tn the agriculture sector and the development of sustainable farming systems in Bangladesh so that the farmers can achieve their full potential. More efforts were required for the sustainability of farming and agriculture research and to provide technological support to help feted the growing population of the country, said FAO Country Representative Peter John Myers In an exclusive interview with The Dally Star.
"Bangladesh farmers are extremely hardworking and I think rural Bangladesh can face the future with some confidence through diversification and intensification of production systems." he said.
The Interview was taken on the occasion of the World Food Day on October 16. ■ „
Giving a background -to Bangladesh's dogged efforts in increasing food production since the pre-independence period. Myers pointed out that the Introduction of High Yielding Variety (HYV) cereal technology in .the 1960s and the emphasis on irrigated rice production had had a somewhat adverse impact on rain-fed agriculture and non-cereal crops like pulse, oilseeds, vegetable and fruits. He suggested that a more 'balanced approach' was now needed in Bangladesh so that food production could be further in-
creased while still maintaining and enhancing soil fertility and the biodiversity of the land.
Myers, one of the long-time UN staff in Bangladesh, said' that diversification was a 'must' in terms of Sustainable food production and employment generation in the rural areas. Particular attention was needed for further improvement of the fisheries, livestock and livestock feed, and integration into farming system as well as in the horticulture sec tors, he pointed out.
FAO Is currently Involved In
different collaborative projects initiated by a number of ministries. In the crop agriculture sector. FAO is supporting an Agriculture Ministry project for strengthening the national capacity for monitoring and management .of the irrigation sub-sector. The UN agency is also assisting Bangladesh in building up national research and development capacity in horticulture and developing vegetable seeds with the government and encouraging private sector participation.
In the Forestry sector. FAO
Is providing technical assistance for participatory forestry and agro-forestry while supporting an Integrated Resource Development and Management Plan for the Sundarbans Reserve Forests.
FAO activities in the fisheries and livestock sector range from pond aquaculture extension to duck development activities. .
"Our current dialogue with the Government regarding’ possible future support covers areas including forestry planning. agriculture research management. Integrated pest management. GIS systems for agriculture planning and development, food monitoring, and Information." Peter Myers informed.
Replying to a question on .the changes in FAO's global perspective in the changed world economic order and increasing environmental awareness. he said the basic objectives of the UN agency remained the same. However, there was concern whether the flow of development funds for agriculture and rural development could not only be maintained but Increased in the backdrop of many nations' recent involvement in peacekeeping and emergencies, the FAO Representative said. A massive investment commitment was required to effectively alleviate poverty and evolve technologies needed to support a future world population of nine billion, he added.