Agri co-ops, organic farming demanded
Speakers at a discussion yesterday urged the government to form agricultural cooperatives and implement organic farming to ensure risk and adulteration free food supply.
They said with government's support it is possible to develop organic farming.
Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa), B-safe Foundation, Hunger Free World and Prottasha 2021 Forum jointly organised the discussion, said a press release.
Mentioning Cuba as an example, speakers said 80 percent of their farming is dependent on agriculture cooperatives and organic farming.
For the interest of food security and sustainable farming, the government has to implement a method, which is both farmer and agriculture friendly, they said.
The speakers said ensuring food supply is the country's first and foremost responsibility but food adulteration and excessive use of chemicals in foods is a major obstacle in achieving food security.
Expressing anxiety about food adulteration, they said though food production has increased but its quality is questionable.
There is also a concern about the quality of food that is imported or comes as assistance from abroad, they said.
Public health is under risk due to excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides in food, formalin in fishes and fruits, and dyeing colours in packaged food items, they said.
Dr Jaynul Abedin, president of B-Safe Foundation, chaired the discussion.
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