National Productivity Organisation director general Md Nuruzzaman on Monday said that while Bangladesh has made strides in adopting sustainable food systems, challenges like climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity remain critical obstacles.
Speaking at a workshop on sustainable food systems organised jointly by the NPO, Bangladesh, and Japan-based Asian Productivity Organisation, Nuruzzaman highlighted the progress and challenges in adopting sustainable food systems in Bangladesh.
He noted that overreliance on chemical fertilisers and pesticides hampers sustainability, further complicating the transition to sustainable food systems.
鈥楻apid urbanisation and population growth are damaging food production and distribution systems. Despite progress in reducing hunger and improving food availability, access to nutritious and diverse diets remains a concern, particularly among vulnerable populations,鈥� he said.
In his speech, the NPO DG underscored that sustainable food systems are essential for global food security, environmental preservation, and social well-being.
He explained that these systems integrate sustainable practices across production, processing, distribution, and consumption to tackle challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and food waste. They promote the efficient use of resources, minimize environmental degradation, and support biodiversity, ensuring the long-term availability of nutritious and affordable food.
鈥楢dditionally, sustainable food systems empower local communities, enhance rural livelihoods, and foster equitable access to food, aligning with broader goals of economic development and social equity,鈥� MD Nuruzzaman remarked.
He also outlined the government鈥檚 initiatives to ensure sustainable food systems.
鈥楶olicies like the National Agriculture Policy encourage climate-resilient farming and resource-efficient practices. Programmes such as the Crop Diversification Programme and subsidies for eco-friendly farming support sustainable agriculture, while innovative solutions like saline-tolerant crops and floating agriculture aid vulnerable regions,鈥� Md Nuruzzaman added.
Speakers at the event said that 690 million people suffer from malnutrition globally, about 2 billion people do not have food security, and about 3 billion people are deprived of a balanced diet.
Considering the global situation, everyone must give importance to a sustainable and safe food system. Otherwise, the sustainable food system will deteriorate, they said.
20 trainees from 13 APO member countries including host Bangladesh is participating in this 3-day workshop.
Keiichi Sugita, programme officer, multi-country programme division, APO Secretariat, among others was present in the event.