Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid has sought technical assistance from the United States to modernize the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors, increase production and ensure food safety.

He made the request during a meeting with an executive delegation of the US-Bangladesh Business Council at the conference room of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on Tuesday (August 11). State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku was also present.

The minister said Bangladesh’s soil, climate and geographical location are highly favourable for agricultural production. He said there is significant scope to increase production, boost exports of agricultural products and reduce import dependency by using modern technology and technical expertise.

Citing soybean cultivation as an example, he said local production could be increased by expanding soybean farming in the country’s char and island areas. For this, advanced technology and technical assistance are needed, he said.

Regarding the livestock sector, the minister said initiatives have been taken to introduce modern technology, improve the production of quality fodder, ensure proper animal nutrition and strengthen disease prevention capabilities.

Highlighting safe food production as one of the government’s key priorities, Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said increasing agricultural production alone would not be enough; the health and safety of both farmers and consumers must also be ensured. He said particular emphasis is being placed on the safe use of pesticides.

He further said the government plans to establish a certified organic farm in the country and is working towards exporting USDA-certified organic food in the future.

During the meeting, representatives of the US-Bangladesh Business Council expressed interest in expanding investment, technological cooperation and trade partnerships in Bangladesh’s agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors. They also expressed their willingness to work with the Bangladesh government as a constructive and responsible partner.

The meeting was attended by Fisheries and Livestock Ministry Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, Department of Livestock Services Director General Md Shahjahan Khan, Department of Fisheries Director General Dr Md Khaled Konok, US-Bangladesh Business Council President and retired Ambassador Atul Keshap, Executive Director for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia Kevin Ropke, US Soybean Export Council Bangladesh Country Team Lead Khabibur Rahman, and other council representatives.