Precision biotech key to making agriculture climate resilient: experts

Precision biotechnology is crucial for building climate resilience in the agricultural sector of Bangladesh, experts said at a dialogue yesterday. 

They made the comments at the dialogue styled "The Nexus of Climate Smart Agriculture and Innovative Biotechnology" at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dhaka, according to a press release of the US embassy in Dhaka.

The agriculture ministry and the US Department of Agriculture jointly organised the event.

Speakers discussed the importance of agricultural biotechnology in supporting farmers in adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change to provide food for Bangladeshis.

Addressing the inaugural session of the event, Nathan Flook, the chargé d'affaires at the US embassy, and Wahida Akter, agriculture secretary, highlighted the importance of precision biotechnology to build climate resilience in the farm sector.

Salinity intrusion, drought, and new pests have made it harder for farmers to produce food profitably, they said.

Flook underscored the importance of agricultural biotechnology as a safe tool to build resilience in agriculture and enhance global food security.

Throughout the three technical sessions, scientists, academics, regulators, and policymakers shared the newest policies and research related to biotechnology, according to the press release.