Restructure existing farming system to end hunger

To achieve the zero hunger target, Prof MS Swaminathan yesterday advised the Saarc countries to restructure the existing farming systems by including the dimension of nutrition.

Attention should be given to calorie deprivations and protein and micronutrient deficiency in the regions, suggested the acclaimed agro-scientist, also known as Indian Father of Green Revolution.

Launched by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2012, the Zero Hunger Challenge is his personal vision of a world without hunger -- a global call for action.

Swaminathan was addressing a programme organised by SAARC Agriculture Centre at Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council in the capital to celebrate "31st Saarc Charter Day and International Year of Soils-2015". Prof Swaminathan gave the keynote speech at the session. He said though the Saarc region is experiencing satisfactory economic growth, hunger and malnutrition, particularly among women and children, are widespread. Nutrition is fundamental for providing human beings with opportunities for a productive and healthy life and the Saarc region should show the way by integrating agriculture with nutrition and health, he added.

Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury said the government is open to agricultural innovation, but is also cautious whether they might harm the environment. In his presentation, FAO Representative in Bangladesh Mike Robson said Bangladesh has made good progress in food security but it is slowing down.