PM asks scientists to innovate climate tolerant crops

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday urged agriculture scientists to innovate climate tolerant crops for ensuring food security across the globe.

She also laid emphasis on food preservation, reduction of post-harvest loss and nutrition security for the same purpose.

The Prime Minister said these when a four-member Canadian delegation called on her at her official residence Ganobhaban.

The four-member delegation was led by Stephen Visscher, CBE, director for Strategic Partnership and chief operating officer, Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS), University of Saskatchewan.

The other members of the delegation were Dr Balajit Singh, vice-president (Research) of University of Saskatchewan, Dr Andrew Sharpe, Bangabandhu research vhair in Food Security, GIFS, University of Saskatchewan, Canada and Canadian High Commissioner in Dhaka Lilly Nicholls.

The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) of University of Saskatchewan (USask) opened its regional office in Dhaka last year to enhance cooperation in research among agriculture research institutes of Canada and Bangladesh. The delegation came here to visit it.

PM's Assistant Press Secretary MM Emrul Kayas briefed the reporters after the meeting.

At the meeting, Stephen Visscher said that they will provide all types of technical supports to the GIFS regional office located in the city.

Besides, Dr Balajit Singh said they will extend all-out support to those who will go to the University of Saskatchewan for higher studies.

The delegation also showed their interest to work on the multiple uses of Bangladesh's Jackfruit and plant genetics.

Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzaque, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Kaikaus, Agriculture Secretary Md Sayedul Islam and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) Executive Chairman Dr Shaikh Mohammad Bokhtiar were present among others.