The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury Saturday said self-sufficiency in rice production is both possible and desirable, as UN food-agency FAO is considering support in this regard.

"Bangladeshi external partners will cooperate in this regard," he said after FAO Representative AD Spijkers met him at his office and discussed food-related matters.

Spijkers said that he had reviewed the matter of FAO support to Bangladesh in attaining self-sufficiency in food, "a commodity whose price was rising worldwide". He observed that in his view Bangladesh would be able to meet the boro target of 17 million tons this year.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation Representative observed that he was privileged to be the first foreign representative to meet with the Foreign Adviser after the latter's return from Davos, which was a "springboard to global prominence".