Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ In a recent gathering, agricultural experts emphasized the imperative need to introduce the latest, cutting-edge agricultural technologies, particularly those resilient to climate change, in order to pave the way for a Smart Bangladesh by the year 2041. Acknowledging Bangladesh’s remarkable success in enhancing agricultural production, experts pointed out that the nation is on track to achieve food security. This progress owes much to the innovative efforts of the country’s agricultural scientists, who have continuously contributed to the development of advanced agricultural technologies.
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Emphasizing the necessity for greater commitment from agricultural scientists, attendees stressed the importance of developing climate-resilient agricultural technologies to further bolster food production. They underscored the importance of confronting the challenges posed by climate change head-on. These sentiments were expressed during a comprehensive workshop on the Climate Smart Agri Module Validation held in the conference room of the Deputy Director (DD) of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).
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Organized by Gana Unnayan Kendra (GUK), a non-governmental organization based in Gaibandha, the workshop was part of the Bangladesh Program to End Modern Slavery, backed by Winrock International and the US Department of States. The function was graced by Krishibid Khorshed Alam Sarker, the DD of DAE, as the chief guest, while Rostam Ali, the Additional Deputy Director (Horticulture), led the workshop. Distinguished speakers including Nasrin Naheed, Chief Instructor of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Jahangir Alam, Senior Scientific Officer of BARI, Matiul Alam, Agriculture Officer of Sadullapur Upazila, Mizanur Rahman, Regional Coordinator of Winrock International, and Arfan Mondal, Project Manager, shared their insights during the workshop.
Addressing the audience, speakers emphasized the urgent need to adopt climate-resilient agricultural technologies to enhance crop production and achieve sustainable food security in the country. They highlighted the importance of empowering farmers to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change. In alignment with these goals, the chief guest stressed the significance of innovating and disseminating smart agricultural technologies among farmers to realize the vision of a Smart Bangladesh by 2041, as envisioned by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The workshop included over 20 farmers who are grappling with the adverse effects of climate change on crop production. Experts emphasized that investing in modern technologies and education is paramount to boosting productivity, sustainability, and profitability for Bangladeshi farmers, thereby advancing the objectives of smart agriculture. They also emphasized the importance of training farmers in the adoption of advanced technology-based agricultural practices. Transitioning to mechanized cultivation systems will be essential for the evolution of smart agriculture in Bangladesh. Currently, the agricultural sector contributes 12 percent to the GDP and employs nearly 38 percent of the country’s workforce.
Smart Bangladesh, spearheaded by the Government of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, aims to propel the nation into a technologically advanced and sustainable society. This initiative envisions the development of smart cities, agriculture, healthcare, education, energy, governance, and institutions, building upon the foundation of the Digital Bangladesh initiative. Its ultimate goal is to create a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for the people of Bangladesh. While Digital Bangladesh has made significant progress in digitizing various sectors, the concept of Smart Bangladesh takes it a step further by harnessing cutting-edge technologies to create a more intelligent and sustainable society. The vision of ‘Smart Bangladesh’ represents an advanced phase of the ‘Digital Bangladesh’ journey, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s development trajectory.
