Bangladeshi Agric Minister Bats for Biotech

Bangladeshi Minister for Agriculture Begum Matia Choudhary stressed on the benefits of genetically modified crops at the 24th Foundation Day of the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) on December 8, 2009. She said that research and development activities on GM will continue in full swing to get products to enhance crop production and alleviate chronic food crisis in Bangladesh. If GM crops are found superior in any aspect of crop cultivation, it will be released and made available to farmers, she said.

The Agricultural Minister reminded the audience that despite opposition to the technology, "we have been introducing hybrid crops since 1996 which are now benefiting our farmers. Similarly, government will not be conservative in the use of GM crops whatever resistance may come if any." She categorically directed scientists and the Institutes to strengthen research to develop disease, salinity and drought tolerant crops for farmers' use. Moreover, she told those who are criticizing GM crops to be moderate and be science-based. Minister Choudhary also declared that the government will formulate a Five Year Plan (FYP)  which will facilitate sustainable agricultural development.

"Challenges in Agriculture in SAARC Countries" was the main theme of the seminar organized by SAARC Agriculture Centre housed at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) campus in Dhaka under the chair of CQK Mostak Ahmed, Agriculture Secretary.

For more information about biotechnology in Bangladesh email Khondoker Nasiruddin at nasirbiotech@yahoo.com