Youth engagement for sustainable development of food and agriculture sector of the country is very essential, said experts at an event in the capital.
They also stressed the need for engagement of youth in agriculture and the food sector to eradicate hunger and hidden hunger from the country.
The campaign, titled “Youth for Science: Evidence, Urgency and Action,” is devoted to engaging and empowering youth in initiatives aimed at sharing evidence-based information and improving understanding of modern science and innovation, including the use of Agri-Biotechnology to enhance food security, improve environmental sustainability and raise the quality of life.
Farming Future Bangladesh, a comprehensive communications initiative under the auspicious of Cornell University’s Alliance for Science, launched its “Youth for Science” campaign on Saturday at a hotel in Dhaka.
“Youth can play a vital role in developing new technologies to overcome existing development challenges, bringing in new and traditional solutions with their dedication and creativity,” said Dr Jiban Krishna Biswas, National Consultant IRRI and Advisor to FFB, in the opening session.
Dr Hamidur Rahman advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farming Future Bangladesh, said, “We need youth in agriculture and the food sector to eradicate hunger and hidden hunger from our country.”
Prof Dr Md Tofazzal Islam of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University emphasised the timely initiatives of the “Youth for Science” campaign.
“We should invest more resources for self-sufficiency of the research and innovation sector of Bangladesh,” he added.
Dr Aparna Islam, Country Manager of South Asia Biosafety Program and Dr Sudhir Chandra Nath, Head of Business of ACI Seed shared expert opinion highlighting the importance of youth engagement for sustainable development of food and agriculture sector of the country.
“We are committed to engage and empower youth for better understanding of science and agricultural innovations, including Agri-Biotech, through the campaign activities,” said Arif Hossain, CEO and Executive Director of Farming Future Bangladesh.