Agrilife24.com:The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and key development partners, organized a national seminar today to mark World Food Day 2025 under the global theme- “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future”. The theme highlights the importance of partnerships and cooperation in creating a hunger-free world.
The event brought together government officials, UN agencies, development partners, farmers' representatives, researchers, youth, and private sector stakeholders to discuss collective actions needed to transform agrifood systems in Bangladesh.
Held at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) Auditorium, the seminar emphasized the importance of partnership and joint effort to ensure access to nutritious, safe, and sustainable food for all, while also addressing climate change amidst resource constraints, and economic challenges faced by smallholder farmers.
Md Masudul Hasan, Secretary, Hon'ble Adviser, Ministry of Food, Bangladesh graced the event as Chief Guest, he stated “Government has taken appropriate initiatives to ensure food and nutrition supply for the poor by formulating and implementing the Outlook 2050 Action Plan. But food security and nutrition cannot be achieved through the government's sole efforts - it requires a united effort from everyone - farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and consumers, all of whom must work hand in hand.”
Dia Sanou, FAO Representative a.i. in Bangladesh stated, “In Bangladesh, around 12% of the population is undernourished, and over 1.6 million children are at risk of acute malnutrition in 2025. These numbers remind us that while progress is real, the journey to zero hunger is far from over—and demands stronger, faster action. Which brings us to this year’s World Food Day that focuses on the need for collective action to producing more and better food and building a peaceful future in harmony with the planet —bringing together farmers, consumers, policymakers, and partners”.
Valantine Achancho, Country Director, International Fund for Agriculture Development, talked about the importance of innovation and investment in food sector. He stated, “IFAD’s programmes reflect its comparative advantage. We work at the intersection of investment, innovation, and inclusion; bringing finance where it is most needed, knowledge from global experience and partnerships that connect smallholders to markets and technologies.”
Abu Taher Muhammad Jaber, Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries & Livestock, Bangladesh, emphasized on food loss and waste management. He stated, “According to the Food Waste Index Report 2024, Bangladesh's food waste trend in 2022 was higher than India, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We need urgent action involving all relevant partners to prevent this to ensure a food secure Bangladesh.”
The event was chaired by Md. Abu Zubair Hossain Bablu, Additional Secretary, Research Wing, Ministry of Agriculture.
Prof. Dr. A.H. M Saiful Islam, Head of Department, Dept. of Agricultural Economics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh presented the keynote paper focusing on synergies among agricultural stakeholders for better foods and a better future.
The winners of World Food Day Poster contest, organized by FAO, were awarded in today’s program.
