Cooperation Key to Ensuring Food Security in BIMSTEC Region: Adviser

Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Agriculture Adviser to Bangladesh, has emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation in ensuring food and nutrition security across the BIMSTEC region. He highlighted that collaborative efforts among member states are key to overcoming challenges and achieving sustainable development goals.

"Bangladesh is committed to fulfilling BIMSTEC's objectives, and there are tremendous opportunities for member countries to collaborate, ensuring both food and nutrition security," said Chowdhury during his virtual address at the 3rd BIMSTEC Agriculture Ministerial Meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal.

The meeting, chaired by Ram Nath Adhikari, Nepal’s Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, brought together agriculture ministers and senior officials from BIMSTEC countries, including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.

Chowdhury underscored the vulnerability of the 1.8 billion people in the region, who face numerous challenges, such as natural disasters, climate change, and inadequate food distribution. "Agriculture is a cornerstone of production and employment in this region, contributing significantly to the prosperity of millions," he said.

However, he noted that the agricultural sector grapples with various obstacles, including climate change, unequal resource distribution, and trade imbalances. To overcome these challenges, Chowdhury advocated for enhanced coordination, sustainable cooperation, and collaborative research among BIMSTEC nations.

He also stressed the importance of the Bay of Bengal, which serves as a crucial marine resource, supporting the livelihoods, economies, and nutritional needs of millions of people. However, he warned that pollution and the effects of climate change threaten the region's marine ecosystems and food security.

"To address these urgent challenges, we must invest in research and innovation, while increasing regional cooperation," Chowdhury said. He also expressed Bangladesh's readiness to lead the establishment of a permanent research center focused on agricultural sustainability.

Furthermore, the adviser called on member states to strengthen coordination in the creation of a BIMSTEC food reserve, as proposed by the BIMSTEC Secretary General, and to promote collective self-reliance in the region. He also urged for the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers to enhance trade in agricultural products among BIMSTEC nations.

"Only through mutual cooperation can we safeguard food security and build a resilient agricultural future for the BIMSTEC region," Chowdhury concluded.