Bangladesh has asked the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for technical and research support to protect the nutrition of women, children and other vulnerable people at risk from climate change, and to keep food grain in good condition for longer. Food Minister Afroza Khanam made the request on Tuesday (3 November) at the Secretariat when she met FAO's Bangladesh representative Xiaokun Shi and assistant representative (programme) Imanun Nabi Khan.
The minister said climate change is making it harder to store grain for long periods without losing quality, and the risk of spoilage rises when stocks are kept for more than six months. Modern storage technology and effective methods for long-term stockholding are needed, she said, and she sought FAO's help in sharing international experience and technical knowledge.
She stressed programmes focused on women and children, and asked FAO to help with research on how effective fortified, nutrient-enriched rice really is for public health. With a large population for the country's size, ensuring safe and nutritious food for everyone is urgent, she said.
The FAO officials briefed the minister on the agency's current work in Bangladesh. Xiaokun Shi said FAO is keen to work closely with Bangladesh on food security and access to safe, nutritious food, and would continue to support it with its experience and technical knowledge.
Food Secretary Abu Taher Md Masud Rana, Director General of the Directorate of Food Md Jasim Uddin Khan and Director General of the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU) Md Mahbubur Rahman were among the officials present.
How long rice and wheat stay sound in government warehouses shapes the state's ability to steady markets in a crisis and to buy grain from farmers. The story is based on Banglanews24's report.
Photo: Tahmid Reza / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Source: Banglanews24
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