The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

A visiting high official of United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) here on Friday assured Bangladesh of providing necessary support in its efforts to ensure food security.

Making a courtesy call on Finance and Planning Adviser Dr Mirza Azizul Islam at Planning Ministry, FAO Asia Pacific Region head Hey Cheng Chyue also assured to provide assistance in the country's fight against bird flu, ongoing agriculture census and agriculture research activities.

"Bangladesh has got what is necessary for food security. If the country can utilise the potential, food security will be ensured," he told reporters after the meeting.

Dr Aziz said that the FAO official emphasised on developing hybrid as well as deep and saline water-resistant seeds to increase food production in the country while assuring technical assistance in this regard, if necessary.

He said Cheng appreciated Bangladesh for taking food security measures like increasing endowment fund for agriculture research and climate change fund.

The Adviser said that they have undertaken initiatives on the issues of food security while the country has already made some progress in developing saline water-resistant seeds.

FAO country representative Ad. Spijkers was present at the meeting.