Availability, Access and Nutrition Issues

WORKSHOP ON

RESEARCH IN SUPPORT OF FOOD SECURITY POLICIES: AVAILABILITY, ACCESS AND NUTRITION ISSUES

Proceedings of the Work shop

12-13 July 2010

National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme

The National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme (NFPCSP) was initiated to enhance national capacity to implement the National Food Policy and the ensuing Plan of Action.

The NFPCSP is implemented jointly by the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU) under the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management (MoFDM), Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh (GoB) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with financial assistance from the European Union (EU) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The programme aims at strengthening the capacity of the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit and the members of the policy wings and planning units in partner ministries to effectively implement and monitor the National Food Policy in order to improve food availability, enhance physical, social and economic access to food, and ensure safe and nutritious food. It also aims at expanding and deepening the civil society capacity to conduct high quality research on food security, and to establish an effective platform for dialogue between government policy officials and civil society researchers to better inform the elaboration and implementation of the NFP as well as its Plan of Action.

Copies of this publication can be downloaded from www.nfpcsp.org or requested from: ______NFPCSP Email: [email protected] Khaddya Bhaban Website:www.nfpcsp.org 16, Abdul Ghani Road, Dhaka-1000 Bangladesh

RESEARCH IN SUPPORT OF FOOD SECURITY POLICIES: AVAILABILITY, ACCESS AND NUTRITION ISSUES

Organized by Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU), Ministry of Food and Disaster Management and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations with the Financial Support of USAID and the European Union

Proceedings of the Research Workshop

12-13 July 2010

National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme Dhaka, Bangladesh

Contents S # Page # Glossary …………………………………………………………...... 1 1. Introduction ……………………………………………………...... 3 2. Inaugural Session ...... 4 3. Technical session II: Food Composition, Utilization and Nutrition ...... 9 3.1 Preparation of Food Composition, Database with Special Reference to Indigenous and Ethnic Foods ...... 9 3.2 Post Harvest Loss Assessment: A Study to Formulate Policy for Loss Reduction of Fruits and Vegetables and Socio-Economic Uplift of the Stakeholders...... 10 4. Technical session III: Agriculture Inputs and Post Harvest Losses ...... 12 4.1 Studies on Policy Option for Quality Seed Production and Preservation of Cereal Crops at Farkers’ Level for the Improvement of Food Security...... 12 4.2 A Quantative Analysis of Fertilizer Demand and Subsidy Policy in Bangladesh...... 14 4.3 Farm Level Availability of Rice and Its Losses: An Assessment Study for Food Policy...... 16 4.4 Post-harvest Loss Reduction in Fisheries in Bangladesh: A Way Forward to Food Security...... 18 5. Technical session IV: Food Security and Livelihoods of Disadvantaged People ...... 20 5.1 Management of Agricultural Systems of the Uplands of Chittagong Hill Tracts for Sustainable Food Security...... 20 5.2 Livelihood Adaptation of Disadvantaged People of Bangladesh to Economic Volatility and Other Shocks...... 21 5.3 Assessing Long-term impacts of Vulnerabilities on Crop Production due to Climate Change in the Coastal Areas of Bangladesh...... 22 5.4 Food Poverty and Consequent Vulnerability of Children: A Comparative Study of Ethnic Minorities and Monga-affected Households in Bangladesh...... 24 5.5 Food Security Strategies of the People Living in Haor Areas: Status and Prospects...... 25 6. Closing Session by Mr. Kostas Stamoulis, Director, ESA, FAO HQ, Rome …………………………………………………………...... 26 Annexes :…………………………………………………………...... 28 Annex 1: Programme of the workshop……………………………….. 28 Annex 2 : List of Attendees…………………………………………... 31 Annex 3: Welcome Address by Mr. Ruhul Amin Talukder, Research Director, FPMU, MoFDM...... 53

S # Page #

Annex 4: Address by Guest of Honour Mr. Kostas Stamoulis, Director, ESA, FAO HQ, Rome...... 54 Annex 5: Address by Guest of Honour H. E. Mr. James F.Moriarty, U.S Ambassador to Bangladesh...... 57 Annex 6: Address by Guest of Honour Mr. Brian Forey, Charge d’Affaires a.i., Delegation of the European Union, Bangladesh...... 58 Annex 7: Address by Chief Guest Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque,MP, Minister, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management...... 59 Annex 8: Address by the Chair Mr. Mirza Fazlul Karim, Director General, FPMU, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management...... 62

Glossary

Aol : Area of Intervention BAU : Bangladesh Agricultural University BADC : Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation BARI : Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute BCAS : Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies BCC : Behaviour Change Communication BCSIR : Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research BIDS : Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies BIWTA : Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority BRAC : Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee BWDA : Bullock-cart Workers Development Association CAB : Consumers Association of Bangladesh CF : Challenge Fund CFCS : Comprehensive Food Consumption Survey CIP : Country Investment Plan CPE : Country Partnership Framework CPI : Consumer Price Index CTA : Chief Technical Advisor DAE : Department of Agriculture Extension DAM : Department of Agricultural Marketing DCI : Drum Crops International DGF : Directorate General of Food EC : European Commission ESA : Agricultural and Development Economics Division FAO : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FCD : Food Composition Database FCT : Food Composition Table FS : Food Security FPMC : Food Planning and Monitoring Committee FPMU : Food Planning and Monitoring Unit FY : Final Year GAFSP : Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme

GCM : Global Climate Model GHI : Global Health Initiative GoB : Government of Bangladesh HEIAS : Household Food Insecurity Access Scale HIES : Household Income and Expenditure Survey HQ : Head Quarter IGA : Income Generation Activities INFS : Institute of Nutrition and Food Science MAS : Multi Agent Systems MDG : Millennium Development Goal MoFDM : Ministry of Food and Disaster Management NAEP : New Agricultural Extension Policy NFP : National Food Policy NFPCSP : National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme NGO : Non Governmental Organisation OECD : Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development OMS : Open Market Sales PFDS : Public food Distribution PHAs : Post Harvest Activities PoA : Plan of Action PR : Programme Funded Research PRA : Participatory Rural Assessment SAAO : Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer SRDI : Soil Resources Development Institute TAT : Technical Assistance Team TLS : Truthfully Labelled Seed TOR : Terms of Reference TTs : Thematic Teams USAID : United States Agency for International Development WFS : World Food Summit WHO : World Health Organization

‘The food policy analysts and researchers must look ahead through continued research and analysis, to predict what kind of information polilcy-makers are likely to need several years into the future.’ The National Food Policy, 2006

1. Introduction

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU) of the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management (MoFDM), Government of Bangladesh are jointly implementing the National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme (NFPCSP) with the financial support of the European Union and USAID. A core objective of the NFPCSP is to expand and deepen the capacity of civil society to conduct high quality research on food security and support effective dialogue between policy makers and researchers so as to inform and enrich the implementation of the National Food Policy. To support this process, under its Research Grant Initiative, the NFPCSP is promoting research on a broad range of food security policy issues related to food availability, access, and utilization for nutrition, as well as cross-cutting issues such as gender, governance, environment and infrastructure. The studies being carried out have specific policy applications with a clear socio-economic focus.

National debates and events over the past two years have clearly demonstrated that food policy related research issues are becoming increasingly important and are high on the policy agenda. The Bangladesh Food Security Investment Forum which took place in May 2010 brought together high level national and international experts to identify and discuss priority issues related to food security and explore areas for investment.

The NFPCSP research programme has been promoting dialogue on food security related research in collaboration with the FPMU, among researchers and between researchers and the Government. In this regard, five Consultative Workshops have been held since the inception of the programme. These workshops provided a useful forum for debating food security policy issues where presentations and discussions were held on evidence-based and action- oriented research that have been responsive to GoB’s medium and long term needs and priorities.

A one and half day workshop that centred around three thematic areas was held on 12 and 13 July 2010. The first thematic area covered research studies related to food composition, food utilization and nutrition. Given the need for updating Bangladesh food composition tables and the lack of information on scientific documentation and nutrient analysis of indigenous and tribal foods for Bangladesh, a study focusing on the indigenous foods of the CHT region and other locations was presented. Assessment of post harvest technologies of horticulture produce which are good sources of micronutrients and formulating policy for loss reduction was another area of focus under this theme. The second thematic area covered studies that focussed on the food availability dimension of food security with emphasis on agriculture inputs and post harvest losses related to cereal crops and fisheries and policy options. The third thematic area on food access focused on studies related to food security and livelihoods of disadvantaged people that discussed management of agricultural systems of CHT region, livelihood adaptation to economic volatility and shocks, long term impacts of vulnerability on crop production due to climate change, food poverty and vulnerability of children from monga and ethnic minority households as well as food security strategies in haor areas.

The objectives of the workshop were to:

1. Present the results of eleven completed Programme Funded Research (PR) studies related to agriculture inputs, post harvest losses, food composition, utilization and nutrition and food security and livelihoods of disadvantaged people to policy makers, peers, media and interest groups. 2. Facilitate dialogue among the researchers and between researchers and policy makers.

Workshop Outcomes:

⇒ Increased awareness of NFPCSP’s support to food security policy research. ⇒ Research findings shared and discussed with policy makers, peers, media and interest groups. ⇒ Policy implications of the research discussed.

The workshop comprised an inaugural session and three plenary sessions. The plenary sessions focussed on results of the completed research studies under the CF Research. The sessions were organized around three thematic areas as discussed above and covered eleven research studies.

The Programme of the Workshop is given in Annex 1.

The workshop was attended by 300 participants (Annex 2) from government ministries and agencies, academia, NGOs and other civil society organizations. Beginning with an Inaugural Session, the workshop programme was divided into three consecutive Technical Sessions, which then ended with closing remarks by Mr.Kostas Stamoulis, Director, ESA, FAO Rome. The technical sessions focused on the results of the completed research studies.

2. Inaugural Session

The workshop began with recitations from the four religious texts the namely, Holy Quran, Bhagavat-Gita, Bible and the Tripitaka. Thereafter, Mr. Ruhul Amin Talukder, Research Director, FPMU welcomed everyone on behalf of the Food Division, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management. He pointed out that 11 studies under the Programme Research commissioned by NFPCSP were being presented. He informed the meeting that FPMU had actively contributed to the preparation of the National Food Policy Plan of Action (NFP PoA). The NFP 2006 had stressed the importance of research in the process of implementation as the policy makers needed a clear appreciation of the options available and the likely result of their choices to successfully implement the policy. The importance of research had been felt in the wake of the persisting and emerging challenges of food security in the country. The recent food prices’ volatility that resulted from mainly international price hike also necessitated revisiting issues of the sustainability of food security. Against this backdrop 44 research projects were facilitated by the Research Grant Initiative of NFPCSP jointly implemented by FPMU of the Food Division and FAO supported by EU and USAID. The studies were expected to provide evidence based policy related knowledge and actionable recommendations to support the implementation of the NFP. He was pleased to note that some of the research had been able to enhance the Food security actions in the government. He added that the workshop would serve as good source of dialogue and

4 discussion and provide opportunities for better understanding of the research goals and their implications with reference to the NFP especially to address food security issues in the country. The text of the welcome address by Mr Talukder is given in Annex 3.

Mr Ciro Fiorillo, Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) of NFPCSP highlighted the context in which the workshop was taking place. Mr Fiorillo mentioned this workshop to be the culmination of the research studies carried out under Phase I. He reminded the audience of the comprehensive dimension of food security to include availability, access and nutrition components. Forty percent of the population was still food secure and half of this population was severely food insecure. Nutrition indicators showed stunting levels being very high with 43% of children being chronically malnourished.

Mr Fiorillo also pointed out that despite satisfactory production, rice price was increasing. In making the connections with the policy context, there is need to enforce food policies that are flexible and can adjust to the market situation. In the recent months, Bangladesh has completed a framework of the Country Investment Plan. The NFP PoA has served as an instrument for sharing and collaboration and prioritization of key areas for action. This has served as a tool that has catalyzed the interest of development partners and donors for investment in food security. For a policy to be effective there is need for conditions that are related to a sound knowledge of the reality, analysis of the issue and the problem itself. The Research Grant Initiative has been established exactly to study this issue. NFPCSP had established a system to identify the research needs in a participatory manner in collaboration with civil society and accordingly, the research carried out has covered the topics identified under the food security related programmes. In this connection 83 research institutions have been involved. He was pleased to point out that research outputs included, 480 laboratory tests conducted, 10262 days of work conducted in the field, 27 research reports and 75 scientific papers were published in peer reviewed journals which supported 38 Masters dissertations and 9 Ph.D thesis. He further shared that the 2 nd phase of the programme had commenced. The terms of reference for the 16 research topics identified by the FPMU in consultation with the Government agencies were being drafted and it was expected that the call for proposals based on specific TOR would be issued in the next 6 months.

The National Food Policy Plan of Action is being used by international community as a reference and the PoA principles count on a broad political consensus. Research studies have been contracted out sharing a broad consensus and selection process.

Mr Kostas Stamoulis, Director, ESA, FAO HQ, Rome, in his address as Guest of Honour pointed out that he had the honor to raise the issue of global hunger on several previous occasions in Bangladesh. He mentioned how the food security situation in the world gives us reason to be pessimistic on one hand, but at the same time, the realization of the seriousness of the food security situation provides a reason for hope. From an optimistic perspective, the factors which have been underlining the recent sharp increase in global hunger have been receding. Food prices, although decisively higher than the recent past internationally, have come finally down in the internal markets of the developing countries. The Economic crisis, remains a big issue in the OECD group and with a number of uncertainties and regressions that have not yet afflicted the developing countries in the degree originally expected and there are decisive signs of recovery. While this is good news, there is alongside every need to accelerate vigilance. Mr Stamoulis was hopeful about the changes in global governance of the food and agricultural system and with national efforts getting support in global processes. Mr Stamoulis reminded the meeting of the upcoming Food Security Conference in November

2010 in Rome. There is emphasis on a multi-stakeholder participation both in the inter- sessional discussions and the plenary session itself. The discussions emphasize the hammering out of policy convergence among all partners on important issues such as protracted crises, land tenure and investment principles and on safety nets to face climate change and market volatility. The Committee will also explore ways to link to major global initiatives such as the Standing Committee on Nutrition and the MDG follow-up process. It will also explore ways to link to regional food security initiatives and country processes. Bangladesh has officially been invited by the Chair of the Committee and by the Director General of FAO to present a case study on “A Comprehensive Approach to Food Security: the National Food Policy plan of Action” and assured all his support being part of the Secretariat of the Committee. Mr Stamoulis mentioned that this was the 9 th Research Workshop that he has attended under the NFPCSP. He pointed out that the National Food Policy of the Government of Bangladesh and its plan of action has paved the way for the Country Investment Plan which the Government will discuss with partners as well as the successful proposal which Bangladesh submitted for funding to the GAFSP. Bangladesh has not only successful outcomes on food security and food security planning and policy but it can also be proud of a participatory process. The full text of Mr Stamoulis’s speech is given in Annex 4.

H. E. Mr. James F. Moriarty, U. S Ambassador to Bangladesh as Guest of Honour pointed out that it was a great pleasure for him to be at this important workshop. Food security had been an area of importance and Bangladesh is nearly food self-sufficient when it comes to rice production. Yet Bangladesh is also one of the world’s most densely populated countries. And, unfortunately, due to river erosion, soil salinization, urban growth, and climate change, the land available for agricultural production has been shrinking by an average of one percent per year. In addition it has become increasingly evident that food security is not simply about food production. It is equally important to have access to that food and that the food we consume is balanced and nutritious. As many as 30 million Bangladeshis are undernourished and do not have access to enough food to eat three meals a day. He mentioned that The US Government, in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh and other development partners looked for new ways to enhance accessibility, utilization and availability of food for the people of Bangladesh. He also informed that recently President Obama, through his Feed the Future initiative, committed $135 million to Bangladesh to improve agricultural production and food security. The United States Government has also set up a multi-donor trust fund for food security through the World Bank; Bangladesh will receive $52 million for food security through that trust fund. In addition, USAID had committed an additional $220 million over the next five years in food assistance to increase household-level food security of the extreme poor in Bangladesh. He was pleased to inform the workshop that President Obama had only last week announced that Bangladesh would be a focus country for GHI under the US Global Health Initiative. GHI will bring additional resources to Bangladesh for addressing nutrition, a key element of food security. USA considered the NFPCSP essential in assisting the Government of Bangladesh to find solutions to food insecurity, Mr. Moriarty reiterated. The full text of the speech by Mr Moriarty is given in Annex 5.

Mr Brian Forey, Charge’ d’Affaires a.i. Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh and Guest of Honour said that it provides a platform to foster dialogue and the famous NFPCSP jointly implemented. He remarked that the event was an important milestone under the Government’s National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme (NFPCSP), jointly funded by the European Union and USAID, and implemented by the Government with

technical assistance provided by FAO, as it marked the completion of the research activities supported during the first phase of NFPCSP.

Over the past four years, more than one million US dollars have been invested by NFPCSP to support a total of 44 research studies, covering the full spectrum of food security issues. Numerous consultations at regional and national levels took place during those years, to discuss the findings of the completed research. He noted that the workshop will conclude the formal presentation of the last round of research activities’ results.

The right mix of policies should be in place. Mr Forey remarked that the European Union has a long experience with fighting food insecurity all over the world and it has been an active partner both with the Government of Bangladesh and civil society and that they are committed to continue providing support. The full text of the speech by Mr Forey is given in Annex 6.

Mr Ad Spijkers, FAO Representative in Bangladesh and Special Guest to the Workshop, echoed the views of FAO and reiterated the points made by FAO colleagues. This government has 2 important ministries that reiterate the importance of food security, notably Agriculture and Food and Disaster Management. While reflecting the recent events in Bangladesh, Mr Spijkers informed that the Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had chaired one of the parallel sessions in the 2009 World Summit on Food Security in Rome. The Bangladesh Development Forum held in February 2010 also highlighted agriculture has a key stake in national economy and development. The Country Investment Plan (CIP) prepared through wide inter-ministerial consultations culminated in the Bangladesh Food Security Investment Forum held in May 2010 has served as the basis for approval of support of around US $ 50 Million to Bangladesh under the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme.

He commended the efforts and commitment of the Minister of Food and Disaster Management and noted that Bangladesh can be proud of its human resources of 160 M people. While the challenge to feed this large population exists, it is praiseworthy that the country has a good food policy and vision. Reflecting on his recent field trip to the southern delta, he noted there was a bumper crop which could greatly contribute to meeting the needs of 2 M people. It is also clear that the bulk of dietary energy was coming from rice given that Bangladesh is a rice based economy. While the economy is vibrant, agriculture needs to be enhanced. While part of the work is done, there is much left to be completed. In the context of IRRI’s upcoming 50 th Year Celebrations there was need to pay tribute to the Bangladesh scientists. It should be possible to translate the pilot work into larger projects for scaling up. The Manila Forum also provided the momentum for putting food security within its broader perspective. He added that FAO was advocating for global hunger reduction through a large scale signature campaign by getting about for one million signatures for reducing hunger.

Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, Honorable Minister for Food and Disaster Management, MP and Chief Guest at the outset welcomed the participants and said that he had the opportunity to participate in earlier workshops. He is aware that the research results are being monitored and are being reviewed.

Dr Razzaque mentioned that he was pleased that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU) of the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management and the policy and planning wings of 11 partner

7 ministries are trying to support implementing the National Food Policy through monitoring of its Plan of Action that is addressing availability, access and nutrition issues. He was pleased that the results of the NFPCSP Research would be used to identify policy action priorities. He added that CIP aimed at securing support from developing partners. Efforts were underway from bilateral and multi lateral partners. The Manila Forum from 7 to 9 July 2010 provided the opportunity to present the Bangladesh Partnership Framework. He was confident that Bangladesh would be the recipient of funding and support for addressing the issue of food security and was hopeful of the partnership amongst IFAD, ADB, FAO in this initiative. He was pleased that FAO in collaboration with FPMU and 11 partner ministries was monitoring the NFP PoA that was key to fostering investment. He thanked FAO and NFPCSP and his team for supporting the government. He remarked that the policy recommendations that emerge from the research studies will be examined with high priority and will be utilized in implementing the National Food Policy and its Plan of Action and CIP. He also thanked the EU and USAID for their funding support and continued cooperation. The full text of the speech of Dr Razzaque is given in Annex 7.

Mr. Mirza Fazlul Karim, Director-General, FPMU stated that it was pleasure to be at the Workshop on “Research for Food Security Policies: Availability, Access and Nutrition Issues”, organized by the National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme, FAO and the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management, Government of Bangladesh. The National Food Policy Plan of Action (2008-2015) launched by the Government in May 2009 served as a reference framework to implement food security actions and monitor progress towards achieving the objectives of food security policy of the country. The research initiatives under NFPCSP were aimed towards identifying the food security gaps and suggesting actionable policy options.

The lessons learned from the 2008 global food price hike clearly demonstrated that the population needs to be safeguarded and buffered from the price volatility of the world market. The government has attached top priority to augment domestic food production, increase public stock and expand the coverage of safety nets. Strategic review and analysis of safety net programs to track cost effectiveness and efficiency need to be carried out and greater participation at all levels of government in the planning, targeting and monitoring and evaluation of safety net programs is urgently required.

The findings of the research studies are expected to inform the implementation of the Bangladesh National Food Policy and its Plan of Action (2008-2015). These documents have played a central role in channelling resources and identifying investment programmes to improve food security and nutrition, these were recently consolidated in the Country Investment Plan (CIP). The CIP has served as the basis for approval of support of around US

$ 50 Million to Bangladesh under the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme. He thanked NFPCSP for undertaking these research studies which are enriching food policy capacity strengthening and the FPMU, NFPCSP and partner Ministries for their efforts in monitoring the Plan of Action and participating in the monitoring of the research studies. The full text of the speech of Mr. Karim is given in Annex. 8

3. Technical Session II: Research Area : Food Composition, Utilization and Nutrition

The session was chaired by Mr Biplab K. Nandi, Former Senior Food and Nutrition Officer, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP), Bangkok, Thailand and co-chaired by Mr Md Ruhul Amin Talukder, Research Director, FPMU, MoFDM.

The following papers were presented.

3.1 Preparation of Food Composition, Database with Special Reference to Indigenous and Ethnic Foods -by Dr. Sheikh Nazrul Islam, Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka

The presenter Dr. Nazrul Islam highlighted that a Food composition database (FCD) provides the basis for planning food, nutrition and health related policy tools. He noted that nutrient values of foods in Bangladesh have been obtained from food composition tables prepared by the INFS, DU and HKI in 1988 with most of the nutrient data having been analyzed more than 40 years ago and data drawn from the FCD of neighboring countries. The present study was undertaken to prepare a food composition database (FCD) with special reference to indigenous and ethnic foods. The study was designed to (i) identify the key foods (contributing to 75% of any one nutrient needed) through a comprehensive food consumption survey (CFCS) among the general and indigenous and ethnic populations and (ii) analyze the nutrient values of key food items. The survey was conducted on randomly selected households comprising 1210 general and 805 ethnic households.

A total of 75 food items including 53 general and 22 ethnic food items were investigated and analyzed for 23 nutrients. Of the 23 nutrients, 22 nutrients comprising proximates, phytate, energy, vitamin C, carotenoids and minerals were analyzed. Statistics of some nutrients were in line with what was planned. Β-carotene was also being analyzed. Data obtained were reviewed, compared and validated with published data, most of which were found consistent with the reported values. Standard and AOAC methods were used to analyze the nutrients. The FCD is expected to serve as a valuable tool for food policy program planning as well as in designing and implementing food regulations, particularly those associated with nutritional ingredients.

The proximate, phytate, energy, vitamin C, carotenoids and minerals were analyzed and preparation of food composition database was nearing completion.

Discussion

The key discussant Mr M. A. Mannan recognized the importance of such a study and pointed out some issues for attention and follow-up by the researchers. He stated the methodologies such as FGD and observation techniques used should be well clarified. He pointed out that the researchers analyzed only one anti-nutrient ‘phytate’, which forms insoluble complexes

9 with calcium, zinc, iron and copper. He also noted that the terms “general” and “ethnic” foods should be used in reference to established terminology. He advised the researchers to classify the foods according to ‘food groups’ and the % energy contribution from the ethnic and general foods should be tabulated and analyzed so that the nutritional contribution of ethnic foods can be assessed. The discussant asked the researchers to state the policy implications of the study and the recommendations clearly.

Some participants wanted to know if food safety and toxicity issues were studied and if the presenter could provide information on the availability of facilities for assessing food toxicity and anti nutrients. However, it was reported that examining food safety and toxicity components was not within the scope of the study and facilities for assessing food toxicity and anti nutrients were available with Dhaka University. It was also pointed out that some of the common foods taken in CHT such as cassava and frog were not included for analysis. It was proposed that this be analyzed in future work. Indigenous people take at least 20 types of leafy vegetables and these were also not reflected in the food list included.

It was also suggested that scientific documentation of foods should include the English name along with local Bangla name and ethnic name as available. Preparation of herbarium was also an important part of the analysis. Clarification was sought on determination of sample size to which the researcher stated that probability proportions were used. It was suggested that a national food consumption survey is required prior to developing a national food composition database for indigenous foods. It was also noted that the analysis should adhere to the INFOODS guidelines. Another participant emphasized that moisture was also a compound to be analyzed. While the work was exhaustive, the analysis was noted to have its imitations. Information regarding the collection process and the mineral composition should also be provided in the report.

3.2 Post harvest Loss Assessment: A Study to Formulate Policy for Loss Reduction of Fruits and Vegetables and Socio-Economic Uplift of the Stakeholders -by Dr Kamrul Hassan, Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University

The presenter Dr.Kamrul Hassan mentioned that fruits and vegetables in Bangladesh cover an area of 873 thousands hectares with a total production of 110 lakh metric tons. The present consumption of fruits and vegetables in Bangladesh was 126 g/day/capita which is far below the minimum average requirement of 400 g/day/capita as recommended by WHO/FAO. A considerable proportion of the harvested produce is lost which is attributed to losses arising from physiological and biochemical processes, microbial decay and inadequate postharvest handling. It was considered necessary to formulate a national policy to reduce enormous postharvest losses and enhance the consumption of fruits and vegetables in the country. A systematic approach is needed to estimate the levels of postharvest losses, both quantitative and nutritional of the commercially important fruits and vegetables. Identification of technological and knowledge gaps was critical and there was need for a national post harvest loss-reduction programme.

He stated that 20% of the brinjal growers adopted natural pheromone trap to control shoot and fruit borer and the commonly-used chemical ripening agents were Ripen-15, Harvest, Profit and Promote. These ripening agents were mainly used for mango, banana, jackfruit and tomato ripening. Dr Hassan presented the losses of fruits and vegetables at harvest and postharvest stages. He also presented data on economic losses due the spoilage of fruits and 10

vegetables with the total annual economic loss amounting to 3391.71 crore taka. He further highlighted the nutritional losses/changes of fruits and vegetables where in itchi, the vitamin C content was reduced by 18 and 21% at 96 h after harvest in China 3 and Bombai varieties, respectively. Vitamin C content of mango pulp sharply declined from 29.60 mg/100g at 3 days to 16.05 mg/100g at 12 days of harvest. Similar patterns of degradation were also found in tomato and jackfruit.

The β-carotene of mango pulp at ‘mature-green’ and ‘eating ripe’ state of Fazli and Bombai varieties were 190.53 and 219.13 g/100g and 1086.61 and 2868.49 g/100g, respectively, indicating that Bombai variety contained higher concentration of β-carotene than ‘Fazli. Considerable amount of β-carotene is also present in jackfruit, but the amount is much lower than that of mango. Lycopene level in tomato varied from 0.92 to 7.42 mg/100 g and the rate of lycopene conversion was observed to be slower at low temperature conditions (10oC) as compared to those fruits held at higher temperature. This was attributed to the higher rates of conversion of bio available lycopene at higher temperature.

The presenter also described some low cost small-scale storage technology for fruits and vegetables. A low-cost cooling technology was optimized to store perishables for the rural areas where refrigerated storage facilities are lacking. In this regard, an earthen cooling pot was found to be suitable for storing vegetables in the households.

The key discussant Ms. Lalita Bhattacharjee while underlining the importance of fruits and vegetables in the diet, stated that 2.7 million lives could be saved each year if fruit and vegetable consumption was sufficiently increased 1. She noted that the study emphasized for the requirement of a national post harvest loss reduction programme from a wider perspective. Vegetables and fruits produced can be supplied as raw materials to local agro processing industries for both domestic and export markets and it was noted the study contributed to strengthening capacity building of agro processing enterprises and organizations, providing guidelines for reducing post harvest losses and improving quality and safety of vegetables and fruits in the marketing chain.

The discussant noted that the study successfully reviewed purchase and sale prices at different level of marketing agents, namely grower, ‘bepari’ (immediate sale agent,) wholesalers and retailers; collected information on cultural practices and usage of chemical growth regulators for ripening, cell expansion and early flowering of vegetables and fruits; determination of vitamin (beta carotene, other carotenoids (lycopene) and vitamin C) content and losses of selected fruits and vegetables; and optimization and application (where applicable) of appropriate storage technologies for reducing post harvest loss in vegetables and fruits. Training on post harvest management of perishables and development of a post harvest handling guide for selected fruits and vegetables were useful outputs of the research.

The need for strengthening government intervention and monitoring to reduce the monopoly of the intermediaries in the supply chain so as to facilitate benefits of real price to the growers and enable consumers to purchase produce at reasonable lower prices was emphasized. Documentation and validation of post harvest quantitative and nutritional losses (beta carotene, lycopene and vitamin C) would greatly help formulate national post harvest reduction policy plan. The discussant pointed out that the study needs to highlight the quality

1 FAO/WHO (2004) Report of Joint Workshop on Fruits and Vegetables for Health, Kobe, Japan. 11

and safety aspects of vegetables and fruits and implications for sale with collaboration for setting up a Codex Cell in the Ministry of Agriculture.

Some participants opined mapping the channels and loss reduction should be carefully designed. Given that pesticides are used indiscriminately by farmers in fruits and vegetables, one of the participants inquired if analysis of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables was carried out. The losses of seeds while being distributed should also be assessed. Growers use their own seeds and in many cases recycling of seeds are done. He stated that if the farmers have losses due to non-germination of seeds the supplier should be penalized not only for the cost of seed but also for the entire loss of the farmer for the season.

The researcher noted that from each upazila 25 growers were selected to meet the sampling target of 100-150 each for the case of bepari, wholesaler and retailers. 1000 consumers were randomly selected and interviewed from retail markets. He opined that pesticide residues were also his interest but this was not within the scope of the study. In terms of seed, many of the growers purchase their own seed and some have hybrid seeds. In the case of hybrid seeds that are purchased, the seed is propagated. BARI has documented loss due to destruction. Harvest, profit, tom tom and ethiform are active ingredients. Ethylene is a non harmful gas and given that toxicity levels are not high, it is useful to introduce the technology for each of the fruits.

The co-chair praised the two presentations that invoked interest, a lot of questions and recommendations. Using the right sort of chemicals and proper dosage at different stages of harvest and post harvest were important issues to be addressed.

The chairman thanked the paper presenters and the participants for their active contribution to the session and urged the presenters to carefully review the recommendations proposed. In particular, he quoted the definition of ‘indigenous’ stated in the State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, United Nations, New York, 2009 that “Indigenous communities, peoples and nations are those which, having a historical continuity with pre-invasion and pre- colonial societies that developed on their territories, consider themselves distinct from other sectors of the societies now prevailing on those territories, or parts of them. They form at present non-dominant sectors of society and are determined to preserve, develop and transmit to future generations their ancestral territories, and their ethnic identity, as the basis of their continued existence as peoples, in accordance with their own cultural patterns, social institutions and legal system.” He asked the researchers to follow this definition and accordingly make correction in the final report.

4. Technical Session III: Research Area: Agriculture Inputs and Post Harvest Losses

The Session was chaired by Dr. Mahbub Hossain, Executive Director, BRAC and co-chaired by Mr. Syed Amdadul Huq, Research Director, FPMU, MoFDM

4.1. Studies on Policy Option for Quality Seed Production and Preservation of Cereal Crops at Farmers’ Level for the Improvement of Food Security -by Prof Dr Najrul Islam, Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University

The presenter Dr. Najrul Islam informed that seed supply scenario investigated in this study for cereal crop production in Bangladesh offered three contrasting pictures. For wheat seed, where solely the Open Pollinated (OP) varieties were prevailing in the country, 50-60% of the required seed were supplied by the farmers’ own source as their home grown seeds, which were actually the ‘seed’ saved from their commercial cultivation. The rest of wheat seed were supplied from the public and private seed sectors such as Foundation Seed, Certified Seed or Truthfully Labelled Seed (TLS). The rice acreage comprised both hybrid and OP seeds and the hybrid rice covered only some 5% of the area, the seeds of which were entirely coming from the public and private sectors including several seed companies. Of the OP rice seeds, 70-80% of the seed supplies were from farmers’ home grown seed that came from general cultivation. As almost the entire maize cultivation had currently switched over to hybrid varieties, a large proportion of the maize seeds were coming from out-suppliers plus most of the maize seeds were of exogenous origin. Therefore, the major portion of the seeds of rice and wheat, that was coming from farmers’ own supply, was not superior in quality in terms of genetic, physical and physiological quality, and this was confirmed by the present study. Since the private and public sectors in the country were not well organized in terms of infrastructure and organizational set-up to supply and meet the large volume of seed requirement of the whole production system, the present practice of farmers’ home grown seed should be allowed to continue. The only thing that could be done was to improve the farmers’ home grown seed in whatever way it would be possible. Within the purview of the present study, a number of steps were suggested towards improvement of seed quality of farmers’ home grown seeds during the period of production, processing and storage phases so that the farmers’ seed quality status might be improved as far as possible. The paper suggested a number of key findings followed by associated policy recommendations towards quality improvement of cereal seed production at farmers’ level.

Discussion

The key discussant Mr. S.A. Sabur felt that a wealth of information related to production, preservation and use of seed had been collected for this study. Some useful information on history of seed use, sources and varieties cultivated, farm level storage system, post harvest losses, profitability of growing seeds etc. were also gathered. However, results needed to be further interpreted. For instance, why was it that seed rates and the cost and return of producing grains and seeds differed significantly across places? Why were farmers found to be using more seeds than the recommended rate? Why different varieties were preferred in different locations? An explanation was needed on why compost/manure as well as non-urea fertilizer had no impact on crop/seed production in the regression analysis. Although information on socio-economic status of farmers was collected, no mention was made of how these characteristics affected farmers’ decisions. Another point that was made was that the results should be compared with the official national statistics and results of earlier studies. Moreover, linkages should be sought between PRA and FGD and sample survey results. For instance, through PRA and FGDs, farmers explained that they received some rice seeds from DAE and some from other farmers, yet no such sources were reported in the questionnaire. Both results have been analysed side by side. It was also noted that the researchers presented post harvest activities and losses only for rice, but not for wheat and maize. Finally, it was felt that specific recommendations on ways to improve farmers’ seeds could be given. For example, what type of farmer training would be needed to ensure the production of quality seeds? How could quality seeds be made available to farmers at an affordable price? How could the seed certification system and monitoring of seed marketing system be strengthened so that growers would not be deceived by private companies and traders?

In the discussion that followed a comment was made on the effect of using different seed classes of productivity enhancement. Indeed, the study showed no yield increase associated with using certified seeds. What would then be the advantage of using such seeds? It felt that one could expect a yield increase of around 15% if quality seeds are used. Although the quality of seeds is an important consideration, the different sources of seeds and their quality was not investigated. Regarding the storage, it was observed that the existence of a new technology was not mentioned, namely gunny bags with inner poly coating. There were also indigenous techniques employed the household level such as using ‘neem 2’ leaves and tobacco leaves. However, the investigator explained that in the areas surveyed use of such technologies was not found. A member of the audience remarked that some kind of regulatory measure should be envisaged to control the quality of the seeds. The prevalence of certain types of rice in some areas versus others, namely BR11 versus Sorna in Rangpur, was challenged. The investigator explained that the site in question in that region had indeed been found to be different but the result would be checked further. It was pointed out that when gross margins were calculated using total cost as done here, the margin could not be considered gross. Also, in the study the Benefit Cost Ratios were used. This terminology was being avoided now because economists assumed that this is a discounted measure. Yet, in this case, the measure was not discounted. Instead, the rate of return per taka invested should be used as the profitability measure. The fact that production using hybrid seeds was increasing gradually was not mentioned in the report. It would be good if the challenges in the production of hybrid seeds could be explained. On the question as to why many of the farmers store wheat seeds in drums but not rice, it was suggested that this could be explained by the fact that there was a good profit margin in selling rice seeds which did not give farmers any incentive to keep any in drums. Finally, it was suggested that drying technique or a low cost equipment to reduce seed moisture content be suggested in the study. The investigator however explained that this was beyond the scope of the study and additional funds would have been needed in order to include this.

4.2 A Quantitative Analysis of Fertilizer Demand and Subsidy Policy in Bangladesh By Prof. Abul Barkat, Manob Sakti Unnayan Kendra (MSUK)

The presenter Prof. Abul Barkat stated that the farmers were concentrating on paddy for cultivation. There were indications that Boro, which also needed highest amount of inorganic fertilizers was becoming even more popular among farmers. Interestingly, the study did not find evidence that farmers were shifting away from crops only because of high price or expected unavailability of inorganic fertilizer. The study found that around 38% farmers collected credit for agricultural activities. But access and benefits from formal credit institutions were disproportionately enjoyed by the large farmers. Another finding was that credit collection was the highest before and during the cultivation season of Boro. Urea, TSP and MOP were the most used fertilizer combination. More than half of the households use this fertilizer mix. TSP and MOP use was very similar among all categories of land-holdings but in the case of DAP use, there was a discernible pattern that comparatively larger land- holdings use more DAP compared to smaller land-owners. Although urea was strictly to be sold by the dealers of the own unions, more than 17% percent of it could be found in the open market. Nearly 40% of DAP was supplied in the market, and of TSP and MOP, the amount was above 25%. It was found that the estimates from the household level data were much higher compared to the official estimates. Apparently none of the fertilizers could meet up

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more than 40% of the households. The most acute shortage was observed in the DAP category where around 85% of households do not get the required amount of fertilizer. Even though urea users were the least deficit prone, still around 60% of households were suffering from urea fertilizer deficit. Since urea was the most crucial fertilizer, this large scale deficit actually painted a very alarming picture regarding fertilizer distribution management. The observation that higher land holding leads to lesser fertilizer deficit gave credence to the notion that land holding gave social power and influence in Bangladesh. The reasons behind the huge deficit of the fertilizers could be specified as high price of fertilizers, lack of availability on time, transportation problem and so forth. In general, the major cause of deficit was the high price of the fertilizers.

In examining the farmers’ willingness to pay for different categories of fertilizers, it was found that farmers were willing to pay even lower prices than the official rates, and this was more acute for smaller farmers. The econometric analysis found that larger farmers were expected to be more likely to be willing to pay more to avoid hassles. Another expected finding was that farmers who obtained fertilizer on time in the previous year were less likely to be willing to pay more than the official price. There was a strong case of continuing fertilizer subsidy for the landless, marginal and small categories of farmers (at least at the current scale), since these households had been found to be on the borderline of financial constraint and profitability. It would be difficult for a large number of them to continue their food grain production activities at the current scale at least if the subsidy was withdrawn or reduced and price of fertilizer (particularly urea) have been given scope for rising up to a high level. The presentation ended with a number of recommendations.

Discussion

The key discussant Ms. Marie Jo A. Cortijo felt that this study offered a wealth of information on fertilizers in Bangladesh. In particular, the section on fertilizer, marketing and distribution policies offered a good account thorough review. However, the accent was more on the far past and little emphasis was given on the very recent developments that had been witnessed over the past two years for example, although they were significant. In spite of the complex way of estimating demand for fertilizer using a demand function explained in the methodology, in the end, only requirements or use had been considered to estimate demand. This was a little misleading! The report should have explained why this had not been done. One of the objectives, namely the one of suggesting a way to redesign fertilizer subsidy, did not seem to have been dealt with either. This could still be done and could take into account an important comment made in a previous seminar: before thinking what the subsidy policy should be and making recommendations, one needed to determine what the objective of this policy was. Indeed, was it meant to be a form of social protection? Or did it mean at increasing production? Another objective of this research was to estimate how much crops were actually lost due to untimely availability of fertilizer which would in turn had given an estimate of how much production could be increased by making fertilizer available in time. Again, this did not seem to have been addressed and the reason for this should be explained in the final report. Although the sample was nationally representative, the findings on the changes in land use patterns were at odds with what was found in national statistics. For example, it was reported that the land allocated for aus had tripled over the last 5 years, while aman and boro had doubled. Firstly, this did not tally with official statistics. Land allocated to aus was reported to have shrunk over the past 5 years. Second, how was it that more land had been allocated to the main crops of the country? What had this replaced? In the regression analysis, the Pseudo R squares obtained on the determinants of different fertilizers’ deficits

15 were very small, even for a Pseudo R Square (less than 0.1) which put into question the fit of the models. And indeed, very few variables were significant. Overall, the results were quite inconclusive and little policy implications could be drawn from them. Therefore, these models might be rethought. In reviewing the econometric models, a suggestion made in a previous seminar could be considered: expectations might be introduced in the model. Indeed, depending on the situation of previous years, farmers might have different expectations, translating into different demands. The final comment made by the key discussant was on the fact that the recommendations made in the study should be based on the actual findings.

In the discussion that followed a comment was made regarding the definitions of deficit and shortage. A shortage was a situation whereby someone was willing to pay market price but could not acquire the goods. But this was not that was presented. Another participant pointed out that targeting subsidies might not work on small farmers because they did not have the comparative advantage to cultivate. The presenters however explained that they were not recommending that a target subsidy be given but that they piloted this system to see the effects. Someone pointed out that fertilizer requirements were based on scientific technology and depended on soil status. In fact, a fertilizer recommendation guide was updated every five years based on many variables, for different yield targets. It was enquired whether the new techniques that the government was currently introducing which used less fertilizer had been considered in the analysis. The investigator responded that although this had not yet been incorporated, they would try to do so while finalizing the report.

Finally, responding to the comment that all recommendations should be based on findings, the principal investigator explained that inferences could be drawn from findings so that each recommendation did not necessarily have to be founded on a single finding.

4.3 Farm Level Availability of Rice and its Losses: An Assessment Study for Food Policy Security by Prof. Idris Ali Miah, Department of Cooperation and Marketing, Bangladesh Agriculture University

The presenter Prof. Miah mentioned that on the efficiency and constraints of production, the study found that production of Boro rice was more profitable than other types of rice. Productivity was the lowest for marginal farms although they attained the highest net return and BCR. Land, fertilizer, manure, ploughing cost, irrigation cost, insecticide cost, experience and education were the most important factors in increasing production. Education, experience and family size had negative impacts, but farm size had a positive impact in inefficiency effects. The technical efficiency score obtained implied that there was a possibility of increasing rice production by 12% at the aggregate level with the existing resource use and technology. Marginal farmers attained the lowest technical efficiency among all farm categories. Large farmers were technically less efficient than medium and small farms. Other results included the findings that normalised wage rate, per hectare ploughing cost, per hectare irrigation cost, per hectare rent of land, output and family size were important factors in cost frontier. Age and experience reduced the economic inefficiency effects whereas farm size increased the economic inefficiency effects. Large farms were economically less efficient than other farm categories. There were significantly economic inefficiency effects in all farm categories and all regions. Aus rice producers were economically efficient whereas Aman and Boro rice producers were economically inefficient. Overall economic efficiency was 0.72, which implied that production cost could be reduced by 28% subject to the same level of output. Regarding loss and availability main findings

presented were as follows. Harvesting loss was the highest for Boro crop. Large farmers incurred the highest harvesting loss whereas marginal farmers incurred the lowest harvesting loss. Post-harvest loss was the highest for Boro rice. In-store loss was 3.9% at the aggregate level for all rice types, the highest being for Boro rice (about 4%). Out-store loss was about 2% at the aggregate level. Total harvest and post-harvest was 18.7%, the highest loss being for Boro rice (about 20%). The highest post-harvest loss was in large farms. In-store loss of all rice was about 4%, whereas for the large farmers in-store loss was the highest.

Discussion

The key discussant Mr. Rezaul Karim Talukder appreciated the study and felt that the estimation of the seed, feed and wastage would be helpful in the estimation of the national net production of rice. However, he regretted the fact that the sample, although quite substantial, was not nationally representative. He also recommended that a brief review of the evidence on post harvest losses of rice in and outside Bangladesh be carried to provide the context to the study. On the methodology, he pointed out that no empirical model for the production function had been specified in the methodology. Regarding the estimation of losses, he recommended that some type of validation of the estimates obtained be sought, through other empirical evidence of focus group discussions. Also, an explanation of the large regional disparities in these estimates as well as in the estimates of donations in percentage of donations was required.

In the estimation of the technical efficiency model, it was noted that for most of the variables, the coefficients either did not have the expected sign or they were not statistically significant. However, the rationale for their retention in the model was not explained. The study dealt mainly with harvest and post harvest losses. It seemed that the technical efficiency model had been estimated to extend the analysis to potential losses at production level. However, the link between technical efficiency estimation and estimation of harvest and post harvest losses remained weak in the analysis. Finally, the discussant felt that too many recommendations had been made in the study, many of which had no relation to the objectives of the study. Moreover, some of the areas suggested for further research seemed to have been suggested unilaterally, without close linkage with either the analysis or the findings.

The discussion that followed one of the participants pointed out that the figures on wastage bore no resemblance with those obtained in other countries of the region, even India. The authors confirmed that indeed, this was true and that their results showed that Bangladesh was indeed doing better than other countries and that there was no reason to doubt these results given the large enough sample size. Doubts were also raised over the possibility that boro could be less efficient than aman, as suggested by the study. However, it was pointed out that this was in accordance with other studies. The study’s recommendation that threshing efficiency needed to be increased was challenged with the observation that farmers were already quite efficient in this regard. A question was raised regarding the status of and options for community based storage facilities in the country. The investigators recognized that this could certainly be a welcome option as many farmers were too poor to have their own storage facilities. Finally, it was emphasized that because boro was found to be more profitable but only in some regions of the country, there was a need to devise policies adapted to different regions’ characteristics.

4.4 Post - Harvest Loss Reduction in Fisheries in Bangladesh: A Way Forward to Food Security by Prof. A.K.M. Nowsad Alam, Department of Fisheries Technology, Bangladesh Agriculture University

The presenter Dr. Nowsad Alam mentioned that the post-harvest quality loss in wet fish was found to be 7- 19%, with an average loss was 12.4%. Total quantitative losses in dry fish were between 17% and 29% and in salted hilsa (dry), chepa and smoked shrimp were 23.2, 22.7 and 30.9 %, respectively. Huge post-harvest loss in fish and products observed in the present study revealed that safety and quality aspects of fish and products destined for domestic consumption had never been considered in national programmes, while 97.5% of total harvest was consumed locally. The study further revealed that the safety issues of the rest 2.5% exportable products were also not adequately addressed. There were issues concerning contamination by both spoilage and pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, Eschericia, Vibrio , etc. and these needed to be checked. Presence of antibiotics in shrimp like nitrofuran and chloramphenicol; toxic dyes and chemicals in wet fish like rhodamine-B, auramine and formalin and pesticides in sun-dried and fermented products like DDT, Nogos, ribcod, etc. should be traced with precision so that public health and hygiene issues and foreign buyers’ requirement could be fulfilled. It was evident that, nutritional loss occurs in fresh fish and in traditional handling and processing methods the losses may be serious. The high oil content also left the flesh fairly soft and more susceptible to insect attack, a problem which might become serious at the destination market or in store. In addition, hilsa and maitta/surma were prone to histamine development, and poor post-harvest handling exacerbates the problem. Whilst rancidity did not appear to jeopardize the market, there could be toxic effects caused by high levels of rancidity and the development of toxic amines. Further study on safety and quality of fishery products with the assessment of nutritional losses of fish at different post harvest handling and processing conditions would answer many of such questions to reduce the overall postharvest losses and improve the quality of fish products to sustain fish food security. It was also found that a very minimal amount of ice (ice: fish ratio 1:2 to 1:5) was used in most of the fish during distribution and marketing. Ice was not available during peak harvest and contaminated ice blocks are used. Awareness of market actors, especially of primary market actors, on fish handling and quality was very low. Regarding the price of fish and shrimp, it was found that it was controlled by business syndicates, account holders and commission agents. Money lending by stakeholders from Aratders and Mahajons was practiced in exchange against selling fish at a prefixed price. Finally, it was observed that the fish quality loss was primarily distance/temperature dependent.

Discussion

The key discussant Ms. Lalita Bhattacharjee recognized that the study was comprehensive and had generated useful information on post harvest losses of fish and the subsequent impact on fishers, traders, processors and consumers that can provide strategic policy recommendations to reduce these losses. While the study noted that traditional fish processing procedures such as salting, drying and smoking can result in damage to the nutritional value of protein, it would be useful to point out the extent of usage of these traditional technologies for enhancing shelf life of fish. The cross contamination observed in using some of these technologies needs to be substantiated. Vitamin losses have not been examined in the study, and as such general conclusions related to loss of vitamins should not be made. Marketing efficiency was another area that needed deliberation. Some discussion is required to interpret the findings and provide explanation for implications of the findings.

The author should consider grouping the recommendations into categories that address issues of post harvest losses, quality loss assessment, fish preservation technologies, extension tools, technologies and materials, market channels, price of fish and shrimp, quality in the supply chain, food safety and nutrition. Findings and recommendations related to safety of fish which have been studied also need to be highlighted. Cost effectiveness calculated in the study required elaboration as well as the database developed for guiding fish distribution and availability in the country.

To a query raised on microbiological assessment, the investigator responded that a study of the microbiological quality had indeed been included in the research –although this had not been presented for lack of time- with calculation of the total count on the surface of the fish and in the muscle. A comment was made that study could have elaborated on the point of use of dyes. While the researchers recognized the prevalence of their use and the fact that many were carcinogenic, this was beyond the scope of the study. However, he stressed there also existed non toxic (food grade) dyes that could be used safely by the industry.

The co chair congratulated all the researchers associated with this session for their excellent presentations, as well as the key discussants and participants in the discussion as their interventions would add value to the research. The Government recognized the importance of research. He was pleased to see that the studies presented today had a close link with the National Food Policy. He concluded by requesting the researchers to revisit their work to ensure the provision of actionable policy recommendations in their studies. The Chair concluded with the remarks on each of the papers. He felt that the paper on seeds was of great interest and referred the authors to a recent, substantial and very rigorous study on seeds management published by IRRI, to which the results should be compared to. He stressed that some of the findings were indeed similar: for example, the fact that farmers need to be trained to preserve their seeds and that there was little trust by farmers in BADC seeds. The Chair recommended that the Government consider putting in place penalties for those supplying bad quality seeds given the irreversible effect of such action. On the fertilizer demand study, the Chair also pointed to a major IFPRI study in the beginning of the 1980s to which this study would be a good follow up, even though in this case, the study was based on perceptions. Regarding the recommendations, the question that needed to be answered was: what happened to production if the subsidy was withdrawn. An important consideration in Bangladesh to be taken into account in the recommendations regarding subsidies was that only very few farmers were surplus farmers. So if subsidies were given on inputs, only the large farmers were benefited. He argued that targeting subsidies was always difficult to implement. Rather, he suggested, why not go for a grant system for the economically depressed or ecologically challenged areas? By giving for example, one free bag to each farmer, small farmers would be more benefited relatively speaking. This would be much easier to administer and was preferable if the equity objective was the main one. The paper on food grain losses was very interesting although it raised some controversy. The models used were usually black boxes and sometimes yielded problematic results. In fact, these models were usually used for students to practice, but for policy analysis, they became a bit problematic. The calculation of losses was certainly useful. There seemed to be apparently a big surplus in the country but with losses of 19% for example, this would not be the case. The paper on post harvest loss in fisheries was extremely useful practically speaking, especially because it tried to locate the points where efficiency could be increased and losses reduced. He closed the session by observing that a workshop such as this was a useful way to gather knowledge and he thanked FAO for inviting him to chair the session.

5. Technical Session IV: Research Area: Food Security and Livelihoods of Disadvantaged People

The session was chaired by Mr. Kostas Stamoulis, Director, ESA, FAO HQ, Rome and co- chaired by Mr. Feroz Al Mahmud, Research Director, FPMU, MoFDM

5.1 Management of Agricultural Systems of the Uplands of Chittagong Hill Tracts for Sustainable Food Security –by Prof. Dr. B K Bala, Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University

The presenter Professor Bala highlighted the patterns of land use and the determinants of the agricultural system and the present status of food security and environment. It was noted that majority (80%) of the ethnic minorities of CHT can be brought under the Multi Agent Systems (MAS) designed management strategies to ensure food household food security and sustainability of the system. An afforestation programme for sustainable development is being designed and implemented for carbon sequestering and reduction of environmental degradation and also ensure food security.

Professor Bala further pointed out that system dynamics model can be used to project the food security and environmental sustainability for policy planning of CHT. The MAS model can also be used as a computer tool for policy analysis and devise and evaluate the management strategy for sustainable development to ensure food security at household levels and alleviate the rural poverty of uplands. Principal component analysis, factor analysis and classifications of farming and agricultural systems using cluster analysis were some of the major outputs of the research. The models developed would need to be tested for simulation and application for different policy interventions and management strategies.

Discussion

The key discussant Ms Marie Jo Cortijo pointed out that ensuring sustainable development in the uplands of the Chittagong Hill Tracts constitutes a real challenge and the main cultivation system which ensures the survival of the population, namely jhum cultivation, is leading to ecological degradation, risking to further deteriorate the food security situation of this area.

It was noted that MAS are increasingly used as simulation tools to understand the complex relationships between environmental change, human actions, and policy interventions. These are complicated models and need to be adapted so as to combine spatial modeling techniques for example, with biophysical and socioeconomic models. MAS models can be used for the ex-ante assessment of policy interventions on land use dynamics. Such simulations can be useful because field experiments are costly and time-consuming or might be infeasible when it involves social experimentation. The use of this tool is very promising and the interactions between households, extension agents and the environment in which decisions are taken, with the added dimension of climate change and its impacts provide important insights for policy attention.

Ms Cortijo added that the focus of the research appeared to be more on the methods rather than the findings. It was also suggested that the researcher should ensure that all the terms are defined, for example, the term ecological footprint needs. On the simulations carried out, a number of possible scenarios have been tested. These are the gradual transmission of jhum land into horticulture crops, and teak plantation and crop land into tobacco cultivation. While

20 this would require research and piloting, it may be considered given, the prevalence of jhum in the Hill Tracts and its close links with the culture of the inhabitants of the hills. The study while noted to be valuable, needs to have clarity on the methods and results for understanding by non specialists and for drawing practical policy conclusions.

One of the participants wanted to know the method of converting the discrete variables like profession, religious factors, etc. into continuous variables in the model. The researcher replied that they did not make the variable continuous. However, for improving the results it was agreed that the researchers would convert them into continuous variable using percentage figures.

Another question raised related to differences found, if any, between the macro level and micro level results. The investigator responded that at the macro level food was found to be surplus but in household survey 43% people complained of insufficient food.

The issue of how changes in temperature and rainfall were predicted for determining their impact on crop yield was raised. It was mentioned that it is an assumption and not prediction.

5.2 Livelihood Adaptation of Disadvantaged People of Bangladesh to Economic Volatility and Other Shocks - by Prof. Tofazzal Hossain Miah, Department of Co-operation and Marketing, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

The presenter highlighted the results on income generating activities (IGA) of disadvantaged ultra poor households who have no specific or permanent nonfarm activities to sustain their livelihood. Tangail area was noted to have some fishing activities and on the whole non agricultural activities remained more or less within the domain of men with women having limited scope to engage in nonfarm activities.

The household income of ultra poor was highest in Tangail and lowest in Satkhira that was also afflicted by frequent natural disasters. Factors that affect household income include farm size, age of the household head, years of schooling of household head, occupation of the head of household and number of earning members. Regarding household expenditure of the ultra poor, it was noted that ways to minimize effects of food expenditure were to be identified given the implications on nutritional status.

The study confirmed that the depth of food insecurity of the ultra poor households had worsened during the price hike of food grains and other shocks. Negative impacts of high food prices were reflected most acutely in the lean season due mainly to lack of employment opportunities in the lean season. It was also pointed out that promoting homestead gardening and safety net programmes, in particular for destitute households is likely to have positive impacts.

Discussion

The key discussant Ms Cortijo mentioned that Professor Miah’s study was extremely timely since it looks at economic volatility. Prices had shot up on an average monthly change in rice prices in Bangladesh of 48% between 2008 and 2007. The next year, prices plummeted with an average monthly change of 32% between 2009 and 2008. One could have thought that this was the end of this challenging episode with prices having more or less reverted to their

21 previous level. Currently, the average monthly change in rice prices between 2010 and 2009 is 25% with no sign of the increasing trend in prices abating.

Price volatility would remain as confirmed by different FAO and USDA forecasts. The regression analysis needs to examine the various factors affecting income of the ultra poor while the study in fact just looked at the determinants of income, and gives some insights into the income situation of only the ultra poor. While an enormous proportion of the ultra poor’s diet is constituted by rice, this is also true for rest of the population of Bangladesh. Furthermore, there is need to understand the effects of price volatility and shocks of the ultra poor’s food security and how consumption changes with price increases.

To consistently compare the levels of consumption at both points in time and see if they are significantly different, there is need to explain these differentials, if possible, through use of econometric models. Also the probability of the selling assets does not depend only on characteristics of the household but also on exogenous factors. The regression analysis needs to run the models for the different areas separately. It was suggested that given the limited size of the sample, it would be useful to test for the possibility of pooling the samples.

Regarding coping strategies, it would be useful to differentiate between coping strategies that have long term and short term effects and ability of households to recover or whether the nature of the damage that had occurred during the price hike was irreversible with long term effects on food security. Gender dimensions and location of households in vulnerable areas and shocks are other issues for careful analysis and attention. Policy recommendations need to be based on findings of the study. A doubt was raised on the selection of the monga affected areas. It was noted that selection was done after visiting the area and consulting with local leaders. Access of food was identified as the main problem, and recommnedations therefore should be made for creating more income generating activities (IGAs) and exploring overseas employment opportunities. Another query was raised on the criteria used to define the ‘ultra poor’ The chair also wanted to know whether income and expenditure varibles were normalized or not. It suggested that two stage regression be applied in this case.

5.3 Assessing Long-term impacts of vulnerabilities on crop production due to climate change in the coastal areas of Bangladesh - by Dr. Md. Moslem Uddin Miah, Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies

The presenter highlighted information and data on the risk factors that affect crop production systems in the coastal region, identifying some opportunities for enhancing crop based food production. An update was also given on the status of crop based food production systems in the salinity affected areas. The author presented specific findings based on data from several climate change prediction models. Differences were noted in the sea level rise between the models and a comparative assessment of the climate change scenario was given. Specific issues that merit attention were presented and included: future climate change scenario, sea level rise, and effects of floods, climatic events (cyclones) and droughts. Some health and nutrition related problems were generally outlined using a DAE survey based on household level data. Factors affecting total cultivable and fallow land in the coastal areas were also highlighted with issues related to river water salinity and intrusion, water logging, seasonal crop production and long term impacts were elaborated.

Policy recommendations included location specific production plans for better coastal agriculture plans as per soil crop climate suitability, assessing climate risks and socio economic problems affecting crop production, improving livelihoods of the people, establishing community based adaptation strategies and developing climate change scenarios based on Global Climate Models (GCMs). It was also recommended that involvement of women in agriculture needs to be encouraged as well as strengthening capacity building and training for vulnerable people.

Discussion

The key discussant Ms Bhattacharjee commended the author for carrying out a comparative assessment of the climate change scenario for Bangladesh based on data from several climate change prediction models but pointed out that careful interpretation was needed of the different scenarios generated. Based on the analysis from the SMRC model, it was noted that the projected level of sea level rise in salinity intrusion under low emission scenario was insignificant. While this is an important finding, it required further review. It was also suggested that the factors of flood frequency of occurrence, flood area with coverage would need to be analyzed with specific reference to the three seasonal crops.

Ms Bhattacharjee added that with reference to the case study on health and nutrition, there was need to demonstrate the impacts of malnutrition in terms of measurable indicators. Correlations between underweight and morbidity (acute respiratory infections, food borne illness) could have been analyzed given the synergism between malnutrition and infection with possible effects of climate change.

It was also pointed out that in expressing and interpreting long term impacts of different climatic risks and vulnerability factors on crop production, the criteria used for scoring land parameters should be given. There was need to link the findings related to increase or decrease in crop production with the long term agriculture/horticulture targets for the country. In accounting for the change in area, yield and production of different crops, it was important to note that time series data on changes in area, yield and production of different crops are available from the Yearbook of Agricultural Statics of the BBS. It was suggested that these data also be used for assessing the changes in crop production.

Recommendations would need to be grouped according to key issues for policy attention and areas which are most impacted. In particular, the recommendations should be in line with the strategy of the National Food Policy and areas of intervention in the National Food Policy Plan of Action. On issues related to food safety, nutrition and climate change, it was suggested that the author refers to the FAO publication on Climate Change and Food Safety (2008) and IFPRI projections on malnutrition with and without climate change.

Some clarifications were sought on the methodology used notably the focus group discussions and case studies. The researcher informed that the methodology used was developed by the team at BCAS in consultation with TAT. In order to estimate long term impact they compared recent data obtained from SRDI, BIWTA, BWDA with the data of survey in 1966. Moreover, data were obtained from the data bank developed by BCAS.

The methodology for identification of risk factors was to be clarified and the participants felt that panel data was required for measuring vulnerability. A point was also raised on how crop losses were measured and for which years. There was also need for clarity on the decreasing yield in case of increasing cropping intensity. The researchers stated that estimated crop losses were based on FGD and with careful interview with experienced persons in the study areas.

A participant pointed out that shrimp farming helps farmers to increase their income. It was noted that although shrimp cultivation by traditional method is harmful to the environment, its impact would be greatly reduced if it is cultivated by modern methods. It was also suggested that yield function be estimated using panel data in measuring impact of climate change on crop production.

5.4. Food Poverty and Consequent Vulnerability of Children: A Comparative Study of Ethnic Minorities and Monga-affected Households in Bangladesh - by Prof. Dr. Rezai Karim Khondker, Department of Economics, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology

The presenter Professor Rezai Khondker stated that study covered two strategic locations notably the CHT inhabited by ethnic minorities and the major part of greater Rangpur, inhabited by monga-affected people. The unique feature of the study was the measurement of poverty levels using primary data from specific locations. The other unique feature of the study was its focus on food insecurity and nutritional status of children which is often by- passed from the research agenda.

The findings pointed to flood and consequent river erosion, monga and unemployment as some of the major determinants of food insecurity. As regards children, it was noted that morbidity namely diarrhoea and fever and dietary energy deficiency and high levels of stunting (in the south) and wasting (in the north) were the major effects.

Discussion

The key discussant Professor Rezaul Karim Talukder pointed out that while the methodology for estimation of poverty and vulnerability seemed appropriate, there was need to clarify the measurement of the dependent variable in estimating determinants of child labour.

He also noted that while estimation of poverty levels by using CBN and DCI methods by using own survey data is noteworthy, there is need to use standard methodology on food consumption given that recording of data on food consumption is fraught with a host of complications.

There was need for clarifying results on poverty estimation and household food security status. In both CBN and DCI methods the rate of poverty was higher in the south than in the north. In respect of child nutrition also, stunting was higher in the south than in the north. However, estimation of the magnitude food insecurity using Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) showed that severity of food insecurity was only 10% in the south and as high as 77% in the north. This implies that highly poor people (e.g. of the south) are much less food insecure (only 10% are food insecure) which appears to be a paradox.

Similarly, in the CBN method, poor based on upper and lower poverty lines (south) are 64% and 60% respectively. The explanation for this minimum difference (4% only) between the poor falling below upper and lower poverty lines is required. Also according to the lower poverty line criteria, poverty level of 60% in the south region compared to 25% at national level (HIES 2005) needs clarification.

Food consumption pattern of different groups of people is noted to be an important aspect of the study. The presentation did not present evidence of food consumption pattern of the sample households. In determining child malnutrition by anthropometric measures, the sample size was not clear. Given that an important focus of the study is analysis of vulnerability of the children, the study should provide some analysis on children’s status in the household with respect to food consumption and level of schooling.

The chair wanted to know the policy implication of the comparison of the results of the two groups and which segment of children of which area are worse off. To a remark made by a member of the audience that there is no monga in the country and that it was not relevant to the study, the author noted that while the severity of monga has decreased in the recent past, the issue was still relevant to food security and needed attention. A clarification was sought on the statistical testing for difference of results between two areas. It was suggested that inclusion of a non- or less-vulnerable area in the study would provide comparison with vulnerable areas.

It was generally pointed that the recommendations provided should be clear and would need to outline measures to move people out of poverty. It was remarked that conducting research only on child poverty and estimating income or expenditure per household instead of per person could be misleading. Vulnerability is one aspect of poverty and the issue needs to be studied from a broader perspective. Another observation was made on the testing of equality of variance and presenter replied that it was carried out.

5.5. Food Security Strategies of the People Living in Haor Areas: Status and Prospects by Dr. Md. Mizanul Haque Kajol, American International University.

The presenter revealed that the overall status of food security strategies for haor people in Bangladesh. While there are considerable avenues for providing prospective coping strategies, the status of food security strategies is unsatisfactory in the sense that the underlying factors for ensuring food security like education, employment opportunities, basic amenities for life including housing condition, sanitation facilities, production systems lending and borrowing culture with formal credit facilities and activities of nature are relatively miserable in haor areas in comparison to those in other parts of rural Bangladesh.

Nearly half of the surveyed households suffered food insecurity because of mainly landlessness, mono crop cultivation, seasonal unemployment, and natural calamities. The major coping strategies that the haor people adopt are borrowing money and food, reducing familial expenses and internal out-migration in the short term. The avenues for prospective coping strategies need to be explored and appropriately exploited.

Discussion

The key discussant Ms Cortijo pointed out that the study is extremely timely since it looks at economic volatility. She recalled that the prices shot up at an average monthly change in rice prices in Bangladesh of 48% between 2008 and 2007. The next year, prices plummeted with an average monthly change of 32% between 2009 and 2008. While the average monthly change in rice prices between 2010 and 2009 is 25%, there was no sign of the increasing trend in prices abating. The price volatility will remain for a while.

It was pointed out that there is need to look at the determinants of income and to examine how the ultra poor differ from the rest of the population. There is need to question how does the research help understand the effects of price volatility and shocks of the ultra poor’s food security and how does consumption change with price increases.

Since information on consumption was collected at two points in time, there is need to compare the levels of consumption at both points in time and see if they are significantly different, and explain these differentials, using econometric models. Other points of emphasis are the coping strategies and gender differences. It was also suggested that the recommendations should strictly be based on the study findings.

Clarification was sought on specifying the actual duration of crops to be developed in case of developing short duration crops for Haor area. The researchers would need to determine the duration after knowing the environmental condition of the area. On the issue of missing information in estimating logistic function, the presenter said that all information was given in the report.

The methodology used for determining dietary intake was queried. It was noted that a 3 day recall was used. It was suggested that it would be more useful to assess the food consumption scores rather than merely estimate calorie and protein values or dietary nutrient intake which might generalize dietary assessment unless the methodology used is very rigorous. It was also important to know why people were leaving this area. What is the profile of people who leave and what they do afterward? This is important for all vulnerable areas.

It was also commented that more research is needed on the possibility of introducing crops other than rice in the haor area. Another recommendation made was the promotion of floating agriculture using water-hyacinth in the low lying haor areas. There was also interest in verifying why some people were found not to consume rice continuously for many days.

6. Closing remarks by Chair, Mr Kostas Stamoulis, Director, ESA, FAO Rome

Mr Kostas remarked that on the whole, the outputs of the research studies had improved since the previous seminars. However, some key questions remained on what households do under stress and what are the coping mechanisms. This was an important area of focus. The problem of vulnerability is an integral part of food insecurity and he believed that households all over rationalize within an existing situation. It was encouraging to note that recommendations were given to enhance nutrition awareness, develop tools for information on nutrient content of foods and related issues. One had to recognize, that households do not

26 just engage in farming but are pluri- active. There is need to design strategies that are also non-farm with entry points for strategies to overcome poverty. He noted that households increasingly use credit as a means to cope with poverty and this was relevant in the food security context. In surveying households examining impacts of climate change, while talking of cumulative effects of climate change, there is need for caution. Carbon dioxide impacts over time might have a positive effect on crops. While there is need for a framework, the need of the hour is to get a starting point as is available at present. Exit from agriculture means involvement in activities related to non farm work. Other important issues include exit from population pressure and the reduction in share of agriculture to income. There is need to prepare populations for addressing poverty. In spite of increasing access to education, access to resources is equally important or else it will limit the value of education.

Mr Stamoulis further stated that gender dimensions have to take a centre stage. FAO will be soon publishing the State of the World Gender Issues 2010 which will provide some important insights for consideration on the issue of food security.

Food security needs to be viewed in all its dimensions. Looking at production and consumption alone would not be correct. Pluri activity among households and strategies are important. Citing the example of shrimp culturing associated with crop production impacts he noted that the benefits would be multiple in its contribution to food security. He was pleased to note that the papers had fully exploited their potential to provide policy recommendations. There was need to combine the study results and support it with published results and then consolidate the recommendations.

In promoting research NFPCSP has used a more inclusive process. There is need for further capacity strengthening and to discuss and share results among a wider group of relevant stakeholders. While the information generated through the studies is based on scientific research, not every recommendation would be implemented by the government. It was within the realm of the research community to control the process given that NFPCSP was facilitating the process by offering some tools and outputs. In this regard, he mentioned that preparation of policy briefs was in progress and this was being shared with the larger community.

On the way ahead, Mr Stamoulis noted that with the context of the NFPCSP mandate there was need to respond to specific requests that have been made by the government. For the next round of research, terms of reference (TOR) were being prepared and this had to be illustrated through the future studies. Once the TOR are finalized, there will be a call for proposals. In the previous process, researchers were asked to formulate their studies while now the topic will be identified by the government and will have the objectives already laid out with a given set of TOR. The proposal that is well articulated and prepared will be awarded the grant for support.

Annexes

Annex 1: Programme of the Workshop

Date : 12 ~ 13 July 2010 (Monday and Tuesday) Venue : Ball Room, Hotel Sheraton, 1 Minto Road, Dhaka 1000

Day -1: 12 July 2010 (Monday)

09 00 ˜ 09 25 : Arrival 09 25 ˜ 09 30 : Guests take their seats

Session I : Inaugural Session Chief Guest: Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, MP, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management (MoFDM) Chair: Mr. Mirza Fazlul Karim, Director General, FPMU, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management Rapporteurs: Ms. Lalita Bhattacharjee, NFPCSP-FAO and Mr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman, FPMU

09 30 ˜ 09 35 : Recitation from the Holy Quran, Bhagavat-Gita, Bible and Tripitaka 09 35 ˜ 09 45 : Welcome Address by Mr. Ruhul Amin Talukder, Research Director, FPMU, MoFDM 09 45 ˜ 10 00 : Workshop Objectives by Mr. Ciro Fiorillo, Chief Technical Adviser, NFPCSP-FAO 10 00 ˜ 10 10 : Address by Guest of Honour, Mr. Kostas Stamoulis, Director, ESA, FAO HQ, Rome 10 10 ˜ 10 20 : Address by Guest of Honour, H.E. Mr. James F. Moriarty, U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh 10 20 ˜ 10 30 : Address by Guest of Honour, Mr. Brian Forey, Charge’ d’Affaires, a.i, Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh 10 30 ˜ 10 40 : Address by Special Guest, Mr. Ad Spijkers, FAO Representative in Bangladesh 10 40 ˜ 10 55 : Address by the Chief Guest Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, MP, Minister, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management 10 55 ˜ 11 05 : Address by the Chair, Mr. Mirza Fazlul Karim, Director General, FPMU, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management 11 05 ˜ 11 25 : Tea/Coffee

Session II : Technical Session: Food Composition, Utilization and Nutrition Chair: Mr. B K Nandi, Former Senior Food and Nutrition Officer, FAO, RAPA, Thailand Co-chair: Mr. Ruhul Amin Talukder, Research Director, FPMU, MoFDM Rapporteurs: Mr. M A Mannan, NFPCSP-FAO and Mr. Mostafa Faruk Al Banna, FPMU 11 25 ˜ 11 50 : Preparation of Food Composition, Database with Special Reference to Indigenous and Ethnic Foods -by Dr. Sheikh Nazrul Islam, Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka 11 50 ˜ 11 55 : Key Discussant – Mr. M A Mannan, NFPCSP-FAO 28

11 55 ˜ 12 10 : General Discussion

12 10 ˜ 12 35 : Post harvest Loss Assessment: A Study to Formulate Policy for Loss Reduction of Fruits and Vegetables and Socio-Economic Uplift of the Stakeholders -by Dr Kamrul Hassan, Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University. 12 35 ˜ 12 40 : Key Discussant – Ms. Lalita Bhattacharjee, NFPCSP-FAO 12 40 ˜ 12 55 : General Discussion

13 00 ˜ 14 00 : Prayer and Lunch

Session III : Technical Session: Agriculture Inputs and Post Harvest Losses Chair: Dr. Mahbub Hossain, Executive Director, BRAC Co-chair: Mr. Syed Amdadul Huq, Research Director, FPMU, MoFDM Rapporteurs: Ms. Marie Jo A Cortijo, NFPCSP-FAO and Ms. Ferdousi Ara, FPMU 14 00 ˜ 14 25 : Studies on Policy Option for Quality Seed Production and Preservation of Cereal Crops at Farmers’ Level for the Improvement of Food Security -by Prof Dr Najrul Islam, Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University 14 25 ˜ 14 30 : Key Discussant – Mr. Shaikh Abdus Sabur, NFPCSP-FAO 14 30 ˜ 14 45 : General Discussion 14 45 ˜ 15 10 : A Quantitative Analysis of Fertilizer Demand and Subsidy Policy in Bangladesh -by Prof Dr. Abul Barkat, Manob Sakti Unnayan Kendro (MSUK) 15 10 ˜ 15 15 : Key Discussant – Ms. Marie Jo A Cortijo, NFPCSP-FAO 15 15 ˜ 15 30 : General Discussion 15 30 ˜ 15 55 : Farm Level Availability of Rice and Its Losses: An Assessment Study for Food Policy Security -by Prof. Dr. Idris Ali Miah, Department of Cooperation and Marketing, Bangladesh Agricultural University 15 55 ˜ 16 00 : Key Discussant – Mr. Rezaul Karim Talukder, NFPCSP-FAO 16 00 ˜ 16 15 : General Discussion 16 15 ˜ 16 40 : Post-harvest Loss Reduction in fisheries in Bangladesh: a way forward to food security -by Dr. A K M Nowsad Alam, Department of Fisheries Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University. 16 40 ˜ 16 45 : Key Discussant – Ms. Lalita Bhattacharjee, NFPCSP-FAO 16 45 ˜ 17 00 : General Discussion 17 10 : Tea/Coffee

Day -2: 13 July 2010 (Tuesday)

Session IV: Technical Session: Food Security and Livelihoods of Disadvantaged People Chair: Mr. Kostas Stamoulis, Director, ESA, FAO HQ, Rome Co-chair: Mr. Mr. Feroz Al Mahmud, Research Director, FPMU, MoFDM Rapporteurs: Mr. Shaikh Abdus Sabur, NFPCSP-FAO and Mr. Md. Abul Hashem, FPMU

09 00 ˜ 09 25 : Management of Agricultural Systems of the Uplands of Chittagong Hill Tracts for Sustainable Food Security- by Prof. Dr. B K Bala, Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University 09 25 ˜ 09 30 : Key Discussant – Ms. Marie Jo A Cortijo, NFPCSP-FAO 09 30 ˜ 09 45 : General Discussion 09 45 ˜ 10 10 : Livelihood Adaptation of Disadvantaged People of Bangladesh to Economic Volatility and Other Shocks -by Prof. Tofazzal Hossain Miah, Bangladesh Agricultural University. 10 10 ˜ 10 15 : Key Discussant – Ms. Marie Jo A Cortijo, NFPCSP-FAO 10 15 ˜ 10 30 : General Discussion 10 30 ˜ 10 45 : Tea/Coffee

10 45 ˜ 11 10 : Assessing Long-term impacts of vulnerabilities on crop production due to climate change in the coastal areas of Bangladesh - by Dr. Md. Moslem Uddin Miah, Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies 11 10 ˜ 11 15 : Key Discussant – Ms Lalita Bhattacharjee, NFPCSP-FAO 11 15 ˜ 11 30 : General Discussion

11 30 ˜ 11 55 : Food Poverty and Consequent Vulnerability of Children: A Comparative Study of Ethnic Minorities and Monga-affected Households in Bangladesh - by Prof. Dr. Rezai Karim Khondker, Department of Economics, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology 11 55 ˜ 12 00 : Key Discussant – Mr. Rezaul Karim Talukder, NFPCSP-FAO 12 00 ˜ 12 15 : General Discussion 12 15 ˜ 12 40 : Food Security Strategies of the People Living in Haor Areas: Status and Prospects- by Dr. Md. Mizanul Haque Kajol, American International University-Bangladesh 12 40 ˜ 12 45 : Key Discussant – Mr. Rezaul Karim Talukder, NFPCSP-FAO 12 45 ˜ 13 00 : General Discussion 13 00 ˜ 13 10 : Concluding Remarks by Chair

13 10 ˜ : Prayer and Lunch: End of the Workshop

The workshop is organized by Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU), Ministry of Food and Disaster Management: and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with the financial support of the EU and USAID.

Annex 2: List of Attendees List of Participants

S # Name, Designation & Address S # Name, Designation & Address

Ministry Personnel Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, MP Mr. Khandaker Atiar Rahman 1 Hon'ble Minister 2 Joint Secretary Ministry of Food and Disaster Management Ministry of Food and Building No. 4 Disaster Management Bangladesh Secretariat Building No. 4 Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Bangladesh Secretariat Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Mr. Md. Fazlul Hoque Begum Diljuara Khanam 3 Joint Secretary 4 Deputy Secretary Ministry of Food and Disaster Management Ministry of Food and Building No. 4 Disaster Management Bangladesh Secretariat Building No. 4 Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Secretariat Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Ms. Nasima Begum Mr. Shamsul Arefin 5 Deputy Secretary 6 Deputy Secretary and PS to the Ministry of Food and Disaster Minister Management Ministry of Food and Building No. 4 Disaster Management Bangladesh Secretariat Building No. 4 Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Bangladesh Secretariat Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Ms. Shikha Sarker Mr. S M Golam Kibria 7 Deputy Chief 8 Senior Information Ministry of Food and Disaster Officer/Public Relations Officer Management Ministry of Food and Disaster Building No. 4 Management Bangladesh Secretariat Building No. 4 Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Bangladesh Secretariat Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Mr. Monowar Hassan Khan Mr. Abdul Awal Howladar 9 Senior Assistant Chief 10 Additional Secretary Ministry of Food and Disaster Ministry of Food and Management Disaster Management Building No. 4 Building No. 4 Bangladesh Secretariat Bangladesh Secretariat Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU) Mr. Mirza Fazlul Karim Mr. Naser Farid 11 Director General 12 Research Director

FPMU FPMU Ministry of Food and Disaster Management Ministry of Food and Disaster 16 Abdul Ghani Road Management Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Khaddya Bhaban 16 Abdul Ghani Road Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Mr. Ruhul Amin Talukder Mr. Syed Amdadul Huq 13 Research Director (FSCN) 14 Research Director (Early FPMU Warning) FPMU Ministry of Food and Disaster Management Ministry of Food and Disaster Khaddya Bhaban Management 16 Abdul Ghani Road Khaddya Bhaban Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh 16 Abdul Ghani Road Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Mr. Feroz Al Mahmud Mr. Mostafa Faruq Al Banna 15 Research Director 16 Additional Director FPMU FPMU Ministry of Food and Disaster Management Ministry of Food and Disaster Khaddya Bhaban Management 16 Abdul Ghani Road Khaddya Bhaban Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh 16 Abdul Ghani Road Dhaka 1000, Ms. Ferdousi Ara Ms. Sohela Khanam 17 Additional Director 18 Assistant Chief FPMU FPMU Ministry of Food and Disaster Management Ministry of Food and Disaster Khaddya Bhaban Management 16 Abdul Ghani Road Khaddya Bhaban Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh 16 Abdul Ghani Road Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Mr. Abul Hashem 19 Research Officer FPMU Ministry of Food and Disaster Management Khaddya Bhaban 16 Abdul Ghani Road Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh

Other Ministries Mr. Md. Khalilur Rahman Dr. Md. Mustafizur Rahman 20 Director 21 Deputy Chief Implementation Monitoring Evaluation Ministry of Agriculture Division Bangladesh Secretariat Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh

Mr. A S M Ashraful Alam Mr. A. M. M. Rejwenul Hoque 22 Senior Assistant Chief 23 Assistant Chief Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Rural Development and Cooperatives Bangladesh Secretariat Divisions Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Bangladesh Secretariat Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Mr. Ranjit Kumar Sarkar 24 Senior Assistant Chief Ministry of Environment and Forest Bangladesh Secretariat Building No. 6, Room No. 1303 Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh

Parliament Members Mr. Md. Akram Hossain Chowdhury, MP Mr. Md. Jafar Ali, MP 25 Member 26 Member Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Parliamentary Standing Committee Food and Disaster Management Ministry on the Food and Disaster Bangladesh Parliament Management Ministry Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Bangladesh Parliament Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Rafiqul Islam 27 PA to Naoyaon – 3 MP Universities Dr. Nitish C. Debnath Prof. Dr. Syed Sakhawat Husain 28 Vice Chancellor 29 Vice Chancellor Chittagong Veterinery and Animal Patuakhali Science and Technology Science University University Khulshi Dumki Chittagong Patuakhali, Bangladesh Ms. Rupasree Chowdhury Prof. Dr. Md. Sarwar Jahan 30 Principal 31 Director Bangladesh Home Economics College Institute of Environmental Science House No. 17, Road No. 4 Rajshahi University Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka 1205, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh Bangladesh Dr. Md. Shohidullah Mia Dr. A N K Noman 32 Director 33 Professor College of Agricultural Sciences Department of Economics International University of Business Rajshahi University Agriculture and Technology Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh 4 Embankment Drive Rd. Sector 10 Uttara Model Town, Dhaka 1230

Dr. A. K. M. Nowasad Alam Dr. Abul Khair 34 Professor 35 Professor Department of Fisheries Technology Department of Botany Bangladesh Agricultural University Jahangir Nagar University Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Savar Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh Dr. Abu Zofar Md. Moslehuddin Dr. AKM Mostafa Zaman 36 Professor & Head 37 Professor Department of Soil Science Department of Agronomy Bangladesh Agricultural University Patuakhali Science and Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Technology University Dumki Patuakhali, Bangladesh Dr. AKMA Kashem Chowdhury Dr. B. K. Bala 38 Professor and Chairman 39 Professor Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding Department of Farm Power and Patuakhali Science and Technology Machinery University Bangladesh Agricultural University Dumki Mymensingh-2202, Patuakhali, Bangladesh Bangladesh Dr. Charles C. Villanueva Dr. Gouranga Ch. Chanda 40 Dean 41 Professor Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Chittagong Veterinary and Animal American International University Science University Bangladesh Khulshi House # 58/B, Road # 21 Chittagong, Bangladesh Kemal Ataturk Avenue Banani, Dhaka - 1213, Bangladesh Dr. Kamal Uddin Ahamed Dr. Khandaker Md. Mostafizur 42 Professor 43 Rahman Department of Agriculture Botany Professor Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural Department of Agricultural Statistics University Bangladesh Agricultural Shere Bangla Nagar University Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Dr. M. A. Samad Dr. M. A. Jabber 44 Professor and Head 45 Chair Department of Agronomy Department of Economics Bangladesh Agricultural University IUBAT-International Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh University of Business Agriculture and Technology 4 Embankment Drive Road, Sector - 10, Uttara Model Town, Dhaka-1230. Dr. M. Mizanul Haque Kazal Dr. Matiur Rahman Howladar 46 Professor 47 Dean

Department of Economics Sylhet Agricultural American International University University Bangladesh Tilagarh Faculty of Arts and Social Science Sylhet House # 58/B, Road # 21 Bangladesh Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani, Dhaka - 1213, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Abdul Awal Dr. Md. Akhteruzzaman 48 Professor 49 Professor Department of Crop Botany Institute of Nutrition and Bangladesh Agricultural University Food Science Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh University of Dhaka Ramna Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Ali Dr. Md. Aminul Islam 50 Professor 51 Professor Department of Entomology Department of Fisheries Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Biology and Genetics Shere Bangla Nagar Bangladesh Agricultural University Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Ashraful Haque Dr. Md. Golam Rabbani 52 Professor 53 Professor Department of Farm Power and Dept. of Horticulture Machinery Bangladesh Agricultural University Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Hazrat Ali Dr. Md. Idris Ali Mia 54 Professor 55 Professor Department of Agronomy Department of Agribusiness and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Marketing Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Bangladesh Agricultural University Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Jahiruddin Dr. Md. Kamrul Hassan 56 Professor 57 Professor Department of Soil Science Department of Horticulture Bangladesh Agricultural University Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Mahfuzur Rahman Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam Khan 58 Professor 59 Professor Department of Botany Institute of Nutrition and Food Jahangir Nagar University Science Savar University of Dhaka Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh Ramna Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Nurul Islam Dr. Md. Taj Uddin 60 Professor 61 Professor & Head Department of Soil Science Department of Agriculture

Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Economics Shere Bangla Nagar Bangladesh Agricultural University Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Tofazzal Islam Dr. Md. Zakir Hossain 62 Professor 63 Professor Department of Biotechnology Department of Statistics Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Shahjalal University of Science and Agriculture Technology University Salna Sylhet-3114,Bangladesh Gazipur-1706, Bangladesh Dr. Monira Ahsan Dr. Najrul Islam 64 Professor 65 Professor Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department of Agronomy University of Dhaka Bangladesh Agricultural University Ramna, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Mymensingh, Bangladesh Dr. Nazma Shaheen Dr. Parimal Kanti Biswas 66 Professor 67 Professor Institute of Nutrition and Food Science Department of Agronomy University of Dhaka Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural Ramna, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh University Shere Bangla Nagar Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Dr. Ramij Uddin Miah Dr. Rezai Karim Khondker 68 Professor and Head 69 Professor and Head Department of Entomology Department of Economics Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Shahjalal University of Science and Agriculture Technology University Salna School of Social Sciences Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh Sylhet-3114, Bangladesh Dr. S. M. Altaf Hossain Dr. Sagarmay Barua 70 Professor 71 Professor and Director Department of Agronomy Institute of Nutrition and Food Bangladesh Agricultural University Science Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh University of Dhaka Ramna, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Dr. Saleha Khan Dr. Sharoj Maheen Haque 72 Professor and Head 73 Professor Department of Fisheries Management Department of Fisheries Management Bangladesh Agricultural University Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Dr. Sirajul Islam Dr. Tulshi Kumar Das 74 Professor 75 Professor and Head Department of Agricultural Economics Department of Social Work Bangladesh Agricultural University Shahjalal University of Science and Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Technology Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh Dr. Zakaria Miah Dr. Zulfikar Rahman 76 Professor 77 Professor

Department of Microbiology and Department of Agricultural Extension Biotechnology Education Jagannath University Bangladesh Agricultural University 9-10, Chittaranjan Avenue Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Dhaka 1100, Bangladesh Ms. Ayesha Akhter Prof Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam 78 Vice Principal 79 Professor & Chairman Bangladesh Home Economics College Department of Agriculture Extension House No. 17, Road No. 4 & Information System Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh Sher-e-Bangla AgriculturalUniversity Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Dhaka 1207 Bangladesh Prof. Bishan Lal Das Chowdhury Prof. Dr. Fujita Koichi 80 Head of the Department 81 Visiting Professor Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Bangladesh Agricultural University American International University Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Bangladesh Campus# 7, Road# 17, Plot# 23 Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh Prof. Dr. Md. Abu Bakar Siddique Prof. Dr. Md. Zainul Abedin 82 Dean 83 Professor Faculty of Agricultural Economics Department of Farm Structure Sylhet Agricultural University Bangladesh Agricultural University Tilagarh, Sylhet Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Bangladesh Prof. Julfikar Ahmed Reza Prof. Md. Hussain Bhuiyan 84 Professor and Chairman 85 Professor Department of Management and Finance Department of Agricultural Extension Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural Sher-e-Bangla Nagar University Dhaka 1207 Shere Bangla Nagar Bangladesh, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Prof. Tofazzal Hossain Miah Dr. Georgia S Guldan 86 Dean 87 Associate Professor Faculty of Agriculture Economics and Rural Asian University for Women Sociology 20/A M.M. Ali Road Bangladesh Agricultural University Chittagong 4000, Bangladesh Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Elias Hossain Dr. Md. Mahbub Robbany 88 Associate Professor 89 Associate Professor and Chairman Department of Economics Department of Horticulture Rajshahi University Patuakhali Science and Technology Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh University Dumki Patuakhali, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Sekender Ali Dr. Md. Yunus 90 91

Associate Professor Associate Professor Department of Agricultural Extension & Department of Environmental Information System Science & Resource Management Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Moulana Bhasani Science and Shere Bangla Nagar Technology University Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Santosh, Tangail 1902, Bangladesh Ripon Kumar Mondal Dr. Sayan Chakrabarty 92 Lecturer 93 Associate Professor Associate Professor & Chairman Department of Economics Department of Agriculture Economics Shahjalal University of Science and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Technology Shere Bangla Nagar Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Dr. Serajul Islam Mr. Jashim Uddin Ahmed 94 Associate Professor 95 Associate Professor Department of Environmental Science & Department of Economics Resource Management M. C. College Moulana Bhasani Science and Technology Sylhet University Bangladesh, Santosh Tangail 1902, Bangladesh Dr. Uttam Kumar Majumdar Mr. Noor Md. Rahamatullah 96 Associate Professor 97 Associate Professor Department of Statistics Department of Agricultural Statistics Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural Technology University University Basherhat Shere Bangla Nagar Dinajpur Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Bangladesh Mr. Shankar Majumdar Mr. Zillur Rahman 98 Associate Professor 99 Associate Professor Department of Agricultural Statistics Department of Agribusiness and Bangladesh Agricultural University Marketing Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensing, Bangladesh Mia Sakib Anam Dr. Md. Iqbal 100 Senior Scientist 101 Assistant Professor Centre of Excellence Department of Fisheries University of Dhaka Sylhet Agricultural University Ramna, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Tilagarh, Sylhet Bangladesh Dr. Md. Abiar Rahman Mr. M. Mojammel Haque 102 Assistant Professor 103 Assistant Professor Department of Agroforestry andEnvironment Graduate Trainning Institute Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Bangladesh Agricultural University Agriculture University Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Salna, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh

Mr. Md. Salauddin Palash Mr. Zahir Uddin Ahmed 104 Assistant Professor 105 Assistant Professor Department of Agribusiness and Marketing Department of Economics Bangladesh Agricultural University Shahjalal University of Science and Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Technology Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh Ms. Romaza Khanam Mr. Khan Jahirul Islam 106 Assistant Professor 107 Lecturer Department of Agricultural Economics Department of Economics Sylhet Agricultural University Shahjalal University of Science and Tilagarh, Sylhet Technology Bangladesh Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh, Mr. M. Rokonuzzaman Mr. Mahbub Hossain 108 Lecturer 109 Lecturer Department of Basic Science (Agricultural Department of Agricultural Extension) Economics Chittagong Veterinery and Animal Science Bangladesh Agricultural University University Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Khulshi,Chittagong, Bangladesh Mr. Md. Anower Hossain Mr. Md. Masud Alam 110 Research Fellow 111 Lecturer Department of Farm Power and Machinery Department of Agricultural Statistics Bangladesh Agricultural University Sylhet Agricultural University Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Tilagarh, Sylhet, Bangladesh Mr. Md. Manjorul Islam Mr. Md. Shah Alamgir 112 Lecturer 113 Lecturer Department of Rural Sociology and Department of Agri. Finance and Development Management Sylhet Agricultural University Sylhet Agricultural University Tilagarh, Sylhet, Bangladesh Tilagarh, Sylhet, Bangladesh Mr. Mohammad Romel Bhuia Mr. Rashedul Hassan 114 Lecturer 115 Chairman Department of Statistics Department of Agricultural Shahjalal University of Science and Marketing Technology Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh, University Shere Bangla Nagar Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Mr. S. M. Atikullah Mr. Sajib Saha 116 Research Fellow 117 Lecturer Department of Botany Development of Agricultural Jahangir Nagar University Marketing Savar Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh University Shere Bangla Nagar Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Mr. Shamim Al Mamun Mr. Sumon Kanti Das 118 Lecturer 119 Lecturer

Department of Environmental Science & Shahjalal University of Science and Resource Management Technology Moulana Bhasani Science and Technology Sylhet-3114, Bangladesh University Santosh, Tangail 1902, Bangladesh Ms. Afroza Begum Ms. Jasmin Akter 120 Assistant Director 121 Research Student BAUEC Plant Breeding & Tissue Culture Lab. Bangladesh Agricultural University University of Dhaka Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Dept. of Botany Dhaka 1000 Ms. Kamrun Nahar Ms. Masfeka Ikfat 122 Lecturer 123 Research Assistant Department of Agriculture Botany Department of Agronomy Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Bangladesh Agricultural University Shere Bangla Nagar Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Ms. Nasrin Sultana Ms. Tithy Dev 124 Lecturer 125 Lecturer Department of Agro-Forestry and Department of Economics Environmental Science Rajshahi University Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Ms. Tarulata Sapla Dr. M. A. Sattar Mandal 126 Chairman 127 Vice Chancellor Department of Agro-Forestry and Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Environmental Science Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Prof. Abu Torab M. A. Raihm Muhammad Kamrul Islam 128 INFS, Dhaka University 129 PS to VC Potuakhali Science and Technology University Mr. Chandan K. Sarkar Md. Nazmul Hassan 130 Asst. Professor 131 BAU, Mymensingh Dept. of Economics, IUBAT Malay Chowdhury Mohammad Mahbubur Rashhid 132 PhD Fellow, Agronomy, BAU 133 PhD Fellow, Agronomy, BAU Syed Mohammad Salahuddin Sharmin Akter PhD Fellow, Agronomy, BAU SAU Lutfunnahar Mr. Chandan K. Sarkar 134 SAU 135 Asst. Prof. Dept. of Economics IUBAT Ashrafi Hossain Md. Anayet Ullah 136 SAU, Dhaka 137 INFS, Dhaka University

Dr. Md. Alamgir Hossain Dr. Ferdous Mondal 138 Associate Professor 139 Professor Dept of Pathology and Parasitology Department of Horticulture Chittagong Veterinery and Animal Science Bangladesh Agricultural University University Mymensingh, Bangladesh Khulshi, Chittagong-4202 Bangladesh Dr. Quadrat E Elahi Dr. Saiful Huque 140 Professor Professor Department fo Economics 141 Institute of Nutrition and Food Independent University, Bangladesh Science 90 Park Road, Baridhara University of Dhaka Dhaka-1212 Ramna Dhaka, Bangaldesh Dr. Abu Nasar Md. Aminoor Rahman Dr. Alok Kumar Paul 142 Professor 143 Professor Department of Surgery & Obstetrics Department of Soil Science Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural Agriculture University University Salna, Gazipur-1706, Bangladesh Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Research Institutes Dr. Md. Yusuf Ali Dr. Md. Khalilur Rahman 144 Director General 145 Member Director (AERS) Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Bangladesh Agricultural Research Joydebpur Council Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh Airport Road Farmgate, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh

Dr. Md. Abdur Razzaque Mr. Mainul Ahsan 146 Project Director 147 Director Project Coordination Unit Soil Resource Development Institute National Agricultural Technology Project Farmgate BARC Complex Mrittika bhavan AIC Building, 3rd Floor Krishi Khamar Sarak, Dhaka 1215, Farmgate, Airport Road, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh Bangladesh Mr. Md. Aminuzzaman Dr. Abdul Jalil Mridha 148 Director 149 Chief Scientific Officer & Head Training Division Agronomy Division Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Airport Road Joydebpur Farmgate, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh Gazipur 1701 Bangladesh, Dr. Abul Kalam Azad Dr. Md. Jalaluddin Sakrer 150 Chief Scientific Officer (Crops) 151 Chief Scientific Officer and Head Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council On-Farm Research Division Airport Road Bangladesh Agriculture Research

Farmgate, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh Institute Joydebpur Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Hazrat Ali Dr. Md. Moslem Uddin Mia 152 Chief Scientific Officer & Head 153 Director (Nutrition) Rice Farming Systems Division Bangladesh Agricultural Research Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Council Joydebpur Airport Road Gazipur 1701 Farmgate, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh Bangladesh, Dr. Md. Shirazul Islam Dr. Mohammad Abdur Rahman 154 Director 155 Chief Scientific Officer & Head Wheat Research Center Farm Machinery and Post Harvest Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Technology Division Nashipur Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Dinajpur, Bangladesh Joydebpur Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh Dr. Naresh Chandra Dev Barma Dr. Shah-e-Alam 156 Chief Scientific Officer 157 Chief Scientific Officer & Head Regional Wheat Research Center Agricultural Economics Division Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Joydebpur Joydebpur Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh Mr. Anwar Iqbal Mr. Sahadat Hossain 158 Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist 159 Chief Scientific Officer National Agricultural Technology Project Agricultural Economics Division BARC Complex Bangladesh Agriculture Research Administrative Building, 2nd Floor Institute Farmgate, Airport Road, Dhaka 1215, Joydebpur Bangladesh Gazipur -1701, Bangladesh Mr. Sohid Uddin Bhuiyan Director 160 Programmer 161 Bangladesh Sericulture Research and Computer Center Training Institute Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council Rajshahi, Bangladesh Airport Road Farmgate, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Mokhlesur Rahman Dr. Abul Hossain 162 Director 163 Principal Scientific Officer Training and Communication Division Oil Seed Research Center Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Bangladesh Agriculture Research Joydebpur Institute Gazipur 1701 Joydebpur Bangladesh Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh Dr. Anisur Rahman Dr. Dinabandhu Pandit 164 Principal Scientific Officer 165 Principal Scientific Officer Soil Resource Development Institute Wheat Research Center Regional Laboratory Bangladesh Agriculture Research Maskanda Institute

Mymensingh, Nashipur Dinajpur, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Abdul Momin Dr. Md. Alamgir Hossain 166 Principal Scientific Officer (Former) 167 Principal Scientific Officer Agriculture Research Station Agriculture Economics Division Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Bangladesh Agriculture Research Kuril KA-1/D, 3rd Floor (Left side) Institute Malancha, Joar Sahara Joydebpur Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Amin Dr. Md. Elahi Box 168 Principal Scientific Officer 169 Principal Scientific Officer On-Farm Research Division Wheat Research Center Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Bangladesh Agriculture Research Maijdee Bazar Institute Noakhali, Bangladesh Noshipur Dinajpur, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam 170 Principal Scientific Officer 171 Principal Scientific Officer Biotechnology Division Agricultural Economics Division Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Joydebpur Joydebpur Gazipur, Bangladesh Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Siddiqur Rahman Dr. Md. Zahidur Rahman 172 Principal Scientific Officer 173 Majumder Seed Technology Division Principal Scientific Officer Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Institute of Food and Radiation Joydebpur Biology Gazipur -1701, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Research Establishment Savar Dhaka, Bangladesh Dr. Monoranjan Dhar Dr. S. M. Khorshed Alam 174 Principal Scientific Officer 175 Principal Technical Officer Planning and Evaluation Bangladesh Agricultural Research Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Council Joydebpur Airport Road Gazipur -1701, Bangladesh Farmgate, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh Mr. Jamal Uddin Mr. Md. Israil Hossain 176 Principal Scientific Officer 177 Principal Scientific Offficer On-Farm Research Division Wheat Research Center Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Bangladesh Agriculture Research Bandarban, Bangladesh Institute Sympur, Rajshahi, Bangladesh Mr. Moinuddin Fakir Mr. Shoeb Hassan 178 Principal Scientific Officer 179 Principal Scientific Officer and Head BRRI Regional Station Machinery Repair and Maintenance Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Division Satkhira Bangladesh Agriculture Research

Bangladesh Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur 1701, Dr. Ferdousi Islam Dr. Md. Abdul Matin 180 Senior Scientific Officer 181 Senior Scientific Officer Horticulture Research Center Agricultural Economics Division Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Bangladesh Agriculture Research Joydebpur Institute Gazipur, Joydebpur Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Abdul Monayem Miah Dr. Md. Akkas Ali 182 Senior Scientific Officer 183 Senior Scientific Officer Agricultural Economics Division On Farm Research Division Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Bangladesh Agriculture Research Joydebpur Institute Gazipur -1701, Bangladesh Joydebpur Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Ayub Hossain Dr. Md. Kamrul Hassan 184 Senior Scientific Officer 185 Senior Scientific Officer FMPE Division Planning and Evaluation Division Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Bangladesh Agriculture research Joydebpur Institute Gazipur -1701, Bangladesh Joydebpur Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh Dr. Md. Taiabur Rahman Mr. A.S.M. Mesbahuddin 186 Senior Scientific Officer 187 Senior Scientific Officer Soil Resource Development Institute Horticulture Research Center Mrittika bhavan Bangladesh Agriculture Research Krishi Khamar Sarak, Dhaka 1215, Institute Bangladesh Joydebpur Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh Dr. Shamima Begum Mr. Abu Bakar Siddique Sarker 188 Senior Scientific Officer 189 Senior Scientific Officer Industrial Microbiology Section, IFST Agronomy Division BCSIR Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Dr. Kudrat-E-Khuda Road Joydebpur Dhanmondi Residential Area, Dhaka-1205, Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh Bangladesh. Mr. Md. Abdur Rashid Mr. Md. Alimur Rahman 190 Senior Scientific Officer 191 Senior Scientific Officer Training and Communication Wing On-Farm Research Division Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Bangladesh Agriculture Research Joydebpur Institute Gazipur -1701, Bangladesh Paramedical Road Laxmipur, Rajshahi, Bangladesh Mr. Md. Mosharaff Hossain Mr. Md. Rafiqul Islam 192 Senior Scientific Offficer 193 Senior Scientific Officer Training and Communication Wing Agricultural Economics Division Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Bangladesh Agriculture Research Joydebpur Institute Joydebpur 44

Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh Mr. Muhammad Ali Siddiquee Ms. Dil Afrose 194 Senior Scientific Officer 195 Director Department of Grain Quality and Nutrition Agriculture Information Center Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Bangladesh Agricultural Research Joydebpur Council Gazipur, Airport Road Farmgate, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh Dr. M. Ilias Hossain Mr. AKM Manzurul Alam 196 Scientific Officer (Agronomy) 197 Chowdhury Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Scientific Officer Regional Wheat Research Centre, Soil Resource Development Institute Rajshahi, Bangladesh, Mrittika bhaban Farmgate Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh Ms. Saima Sultana Dr. M. Moznur Rahman 198 Scientific Officer 199 Director (Res) Planning and Evaluation Division BARI Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Joydebpur Gazipur, Bangladesh Dr. Salina Yasmin Eng. S. M. Fazla Ahm 200 SSO, BARI 201 ILB Government Agencies Mr. Md. Zahirul Haque Mr. Ataur Rahman 202 Director General 203 Director General Department of Relief and Rehabilitation, Bangladesh Academy for Rural MoFDM Development Disaster Management and Relief Bhaban Kotbari,Comilla, Bangladesh 92-93 Mohakhali C/A Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh Director Mr. AYM Ekramul Hoque 204 Field Service Wing 205 Director General Department of Agriculture Extension Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics Khamarbari Parisankhyan Bhaban Krishi Khamar Sarak Agargaon Farmgate, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh Sher-e-Bangla Naga, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Director Mr. Md. Mahfooz-ul-Alam 206 Director 207 Director Food Crops Wing Department of Agricultural Department of Agriculture Extension Marketing Khamarbari Khamarbari, Front Building (4th Krishi Khamar Sarak floor) Farmgate, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh Krishikhamar Sarak Farmgate, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh Mr. Md. Iftekharul Islam Mr. Md. Tofazzal Hossain 208 Director 209 Director

Department of Relief and Rehabilitation, Directorate General of Food, MoFDM MoFDM Disaster Management and Relief Bhaban Khaddya Bhaban 92-93 Mohakhali C/A 16 Abdul Ghani Road Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Mr. Md. Rafiqul Islam Mojumder Mr Anil Chnadra Sarker 210 Director 211 Deputy Director (Monitoring) Directorate General of Food, MoFDM Department of Agriculture Extension Khaddya Bhaban Khamarbari 16 Abdul Ghani Road Framgate Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Dhaka 1215, Mr. Kawsarul Islam Sikder Dr. Md. Farid Uddin 212 Deputy Director (MIS and Monitoring) 213 Deputy Director (Training) Directorate General of Food, MoFDM Cotton Development Board Khaddya Bhaban Khamarbari 16 Abdul Ghani Road Krishikhamar Sarak Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Farmgate, Dhaka 1215, Ms. Begum Selima Sultana Dr. Syed Jainul Abedin 214 Deputy Director 215 District Training Officer Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics Department of Agriculture Extension Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka 1207, Agriculture Laboratory Building Bangladesh Krishi Khamar Sarak Farmgate, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh Mr. Abul Kalam Azad Mr. Kajol Talukdar 216 Agriculture Information Service 217 Deputy Director Khamarbari Department of Agriculture Extension Krishikhamar sarak Khamar Bari Farmgate, Dhaka 1215, Rangamati Rangamati Hill District, Mr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman Dr. Md. Ismail Hossain 218 Deputy Director 219 Executive Director Seed Processing Center Cotton Development Board Bangladesh Agricultural Development Khamarbari Corporation Farmgate, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh Bheej Bhaban Gabtaoli, Mirpur, Dhaka 1218 Mr. Paban Kumar Chakma Mr. Debashis Barman 220 Upazilla Agriculture Officer 221 Research Officer Department of Agriculture Extension Department of Agricultural Rangamati Sadar Upazilla Marketing Rangamati Hill District Khamarbari, Front Building (4th Bangladesh floor) Krishikhamar Sarak Farmgate, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh Mr. Md. Atikur Rahman Must. Effat Sharmin 222 Assistant Extension Officer 223 Assistant Extension Officer Office of Chief Engineer Office of the Executive Engineer Bangladesh Water Development Board Bangladesh Water Development

South-west zone Board Goalchamot, Faridpur 54, Motijheel Commercial Area Bangladesh, Elite House, 6 Floor, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh NGO & Others Prof. Dr. Zahurul Karim Country Director 224 Chairman 225 Save the Children-USA Center for Agriresearch and Sustainable House # 1A/B, Road # 91 Environment & Entrepreneurship Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh Development House No. 59, Road No. 12/A Dhamnondi R/A, Dhaka 1209, Bangladesh Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar Ms. Sultana Razia 226 Country Director 227 Former Member Director (NRM), The Hunger Project BARC 3/7 Asad Avenue Free-lance Mohammadpur, Dhaka 1207 House No. 38, Road No. 3, Sector No. 5 Uttara Model Town, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh Mr. Md. Abdur Rahman Dr. Md. Nurul Alam 228 Former Research Director 229 Executive Director FPMU Krishi Gobeshona Foundation Free-lance BARC Complex, AIC Building Building No. 3, Flat No. 804 Airport Road NAM Bhaban, Mirpur 13 Farmgate, Dhaka 1215, Bangladesh Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh Prof. Dr. Abul Barakat Mr. Kazi Emdadul Hoque 230 President 231 Assistant Manager Manob Sakti Unnayan Kendro Agriculture Division House # 5, Road# 8 PADAKHEP-Manabik Unnnyan Mohammadia Housing Society, Kendra Mohammadpur, House No. 548, Road No. 10 Dhaka 1207 Adabar, Mohammadpur, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Mr. M. A. Faiz Kutubi Mr. Md. Liaquat Ali 232 Program Officer 233 Principal Investigator Krishi Gobeshona Foundation Bangladesh Center for Advance BARC Complex Studies AIC Building (3rd floor) House 10, Road 16A, Framgate, Airport Road, Dhaka 1215 Gulshan- 1, Dhaka -1212, Bangladesh Mr. Md. Mukarram Hossain Mr. Quazi Fazlul Haque 234 Principal Investigator 235 Coordinator Center for Agriresearch and Sustainable Consumer's Association of Environment & Bangladesh Entrepreneurship Development 8/6 Segunbagicha Bashati Peaceville Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh

Apt # C - 6, Road # 14 (new), House No. 8/A-12/1 Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka-1209, Bangladesh Prof. Dr. Rezaul Karim Prof. Subash K. Sengupta 236 Research and Evaluation Division 237 Consultant BRAC Manob Sakti Unnayan Kendro BRAC Center, Level 15 House # 5, Road # 8 75 Mohakhali Mohhamdpur, Dhaka 1207, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Bangladesh Dr. Mahmudul Karim Mr. Mazbahul Golam Ahamad 238 Executive Director 239 Research Associate Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation Research Division Road 8, House 465 (First Floor) Center for Policy Dialogue DOHS, Baridhara, Dhaka, Bangladesh House # 40/C, Road # 11 Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh Mr. Md. Fazlul Haq Dr. Md. Muslem Uddin Miah 240 Co-Investigator 241 Senior Agriculture Specialist Center for Agriresearch and Sustainable Bangladesh Center for Advance Environment & Entrepreneurship Studies Development House 10, Road 16A House 59, Road 12/A Gulshan- 1, Dhaka -1212, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka 1209, Bangladesh Bangladesh Dr. Rushad Faridi Dr. Syed Naimul Wadood 242 Assistant Professor 243 Assistant Professor Department of Economics Department of Economics University of Dhaka University of Dhaka Ramna, Dhaka 100 Ramna, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Mr. S. N. M. Ehsanul Hoque Ms. Faatin Haque 244 Research Associate 245 Director Manob Sakti Unnayan Kendro Institute of Hazrat Mohammad Mohammadia Housing Society (SAW) House # 5, Road # 8 House No.22, Road No. 27 Mohhamdpur, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh Block- K, Banani Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh Ms. Tanim Laila Dr. M. Maniruzzaman 246 Director 247 Chairman Economics Division Unnayan Kormi Institute of Hazrat Mohammad (SAW) 388 Baitul Aman Housing Society House No.22, Road No. 27 Road 6, Adabor, Dhaka 1207, Block- K, Banani Bangladesh Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Hossain Mr. Ashequl Islam 248 Manager 249 Research Assistant Agriculture and Marketing Division Bangladesh Rice Foundation PADAKHEP-Manabik Unnnyan Kendra Flat# B 1, House #7/5 Baitul Aman Housing Society Block -C, Lalmatia, Dhaka 1207, House 548, Road 10 Bangladesh

Adabor, Mohammadpur, Dhaka 1207 Mr. Md. Abu Bakar Mr. Quazi Faruque 250 Executive Director 251 General Secretary Center for Agriresearch and Sustainable Consumer's Association of Environment & Entrepreneurship Bangladesh Development 6/A Segunbagicha House 59, Road 12/A Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka 1209, Bangladesh Ms. Fatema Parveen Chowdhury Ms. Hamida Begum 252 Free-lance 253 Principal Cooordinator Rupnagar Residential Area Rongdhunu Society House No. 30, Road No. 22 47/1, Pragati Sarani, Gulshan Pallabi, Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh Dhaka 1212 Bangladesh, Ms. Shamim Khan BM Faruqu 254 Announcer 255 BCAS Free-lance House No. 7, Road No. 7 Sector-1, Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh Mission/Un/Donor/International Organization/NGOs H. E. Mr. James F. Moriarty Mr. Ad Spijkers 256 US Ambassador in Bangladesh 257 FAO Representative in Bangladesh American Embassy Food and Agriculture Organization of Madani Avenue, Baridhara the United Nations Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh House No. 37, Road No. 8 Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh Mr. Brian Forey Dr. Kostas Stamoulis 258 Chargé d'Affaires a.i. 259 Director Delegation of the European Union to ESA Division Bangladesh Food and Agriculture Organization of Plot 7, Road 84 the United Nations Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh Rome, Italy Dr. Ciro Fiorillo Mr. Deon Mahoney 260 Chief Technical Adviser 261 Chief Technical Advisor NFPCSP-FAO Project: GCP/BGD/038/EC Food and Agriculture Organization of the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations the United Nations House No. 37, Road No. 8 House No. 37, Road No. 8 Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh Francis Warnock Ms. Emiko Fujioka 262 Project: GCP/BGD/038/EC 263 Director Food and Agriculture Organization of the Shapla Neer United Nations A Japanese NGO in Bangladesh House No. 37, Road No. 8 9/19, Iqbal Road Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh Block - A, Mohammadpur, Dhaka 1207

Mr. John Swanson Mr. Naren Chanmugam 264 USAID 265 Director American Embassy Office of Economic Growth Madani Avenue, Baridhara USAID Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh American Embassy Madani Avenue, Baridhara Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh Mr. Stephane David Dr. B. K. Nandi 266 Programme Manager-Food Security 267 Former Senior Food and Nutrition Delegation of the European Union to Officer Bangladesh FAO Regional Office for Asia and Plot 7, Road 84 the Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh Pacific Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 39 Phra Atit Road Bangkok 10200, Thailand Dr. Mahmudul Islam Dr. Md. Shahidur Rahman 268 Training and Preparedness Expert 269 Bhuiyan Disaster Management Bureau Senior Programme Management Comphrehensive Disaster Management Specialist Programme,UNDP Office of Economic Growth Disaster Management and Relief Bhaban USAID (4th floor) American Embassy 92-93 Mohakhali C/A Madani Avenue, Baridhara Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh Dr. Zaki Uz Zaman Dr. Lalita Bhattacharjee 270 Agribusiness Specialist 271 Nutritionist Head of UNIDO Operations Bangladesh NFPCSP-FAO IDB Bhaban Food and Agriculture Organization of Bay's Galleria (2nd Floor) the United Nations 57 Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan 1, Dhaka 1212, Khaddya Bhavan Bangladesh 16 Abdul Ghani Road, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Dr. M. A. Mannan Dr. Marie Jo A. Cortijo 272 National Utilization Advisor 273 Socio Economist NFPCSP-FAO NFPCSP-FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO) the United Nations Khaddya Bhavan Khaddya Bhavan, 16 Abdul Ghani 16 Abdul Ghani Road, Dhaka 1000, Road, Dhaka 1200, Bangladesh Bangladesh Dr. Rezaul Karim Talukder Dr. Shaikh Abdus Sabur 274 National Physical & Social Access Advisor 275 Availability Adviser NFPCSP-FAO NFPCSP-FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations the United Nations Khaddya Bhavan Khaddya Bhavan 16 Abdul Ghani Road, Dhaka 1000, 16 Abdul Ghani Road, Dhaka 1000, 50

Bangladesh Bangladesh Mr. M. Abdul Aziz Mr. Dauda Koroma 276 National Economic Access Advisor 277 Food Security Coordinator NFPCSP-FAO Action Contre la faim (ACF) Food and Agriculture Organization of the Bangladesh United Nations C.E.S. (A) House 20, Road 117 Khaddya Bhavan Gulshan 2, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh 16 Abdul Ghani Road, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh Mr. Mark Visocky Mr. Md. Zakir Hossain 278 Deputy Director 279 National Project Administration Economic Growth NFPCSP-FAO USAID Road No. 8, House No. 37 American Embassy Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka 1205, Madani Avenue, Baridhara Bangladesh Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh Dr. Nur Ahamed Khondaker Mr. Michael Dunford 280 National Research Grant Administrator 281 Deputy Country Director NFPCSP-FAO World Food Programme Food and Agriculture Organization of the IDB Bhaban, 17th Floor United Nations E/8A, Rokeya Sarani House No. 37, Road No. 8 Sher-eBangla Nagar, Dhaka 1207, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh Bangladesh Mst. Tajkera Khatun Mohammad Iqbal Hossain 282 Senior Assistant Secretary 283 Senior Research Officer Economic Relations Division BCAS, H # 10, Road # 16/A Building # 7 Gulshan, Dhaka - 1212 Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka 1207 Mr. Saiful Islam Shameem Donel Rozario 284 Special Correspondence 285 EU Delegation Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha 68/2 Purana Paltan Dhaka-1217, Bangladesh S.M. Mopeshed Dr. Manjurul Karim 286 International Specialist 287 Scientists, The World Fish Centre US Ambassador, Dhaka Susana Hervas Avila 289 The Worldfish Centre Newspaper and Media Personnel Mr. Shykh Siraj Bangladesh Betar 290 Director and Head of News 291 Channel I Impress Telefilm Limited 62/A Siddeshwari Road (First Floor) Dhaka-1217, Bangladesh Ali Akbar Md. Sabbir Ahmed 292 Staff Reportef 293 Focus Bangla The Daily Artheneeti 51

10 Eskaton Road, Ramna Dhaka Musafir Manik Diner Sultana 294 295 Focus Bangla Reporter, BTV Faronle Khan Tanvir Rashid 296 Senior Reporter 297 Staff Reporter, Bangladesh Radio Today Parvin Sultana Mazher Milon 298 Staff Reporter, Diganta 299 ATN News Md. Shanoor Alam Mazadul Nayon 300 BTV 301 Bhorer Khakoj M. Ashraf Ali Tamanna Momin Khan 302 Nayadiganta 303 Staff Reporter, ABC Radio Rasheduzzaman Porimal Palma 304 Staff Photojournalist 305 The Daily Star Nurul Alam Shafiqul Islam 306 PID 307 Dainik Destiny Sumon Paik Enamul Kabir 308 ptbnews.com 309 Janakantha Hasan Ridwan Islamic TV 310 Reporter, My TV 311 Dipan Nandy Nizamul Huq Bipul 312 Staff Reporter, Sheershanews 313 Jugantar Mohosin Jhumur Bari 314 BD News 316 RTV Shilpi Shyamoli/News and Images 317 BNA 318 Jashim, News and Images Kh. Moza Khan 319 320 Desh TV Md. Ali Hasan+ Dr. Md. Shajahan 321 CFU, UP Tarst, Dhaka 322 Asril Consultant NEWS

Pennka Sultana Md. Saifur Islam 323 324 NewAge INB, DIPC Arif Satyajit Roy 325 326 21 News XEN, BADC, CTG Md. Rashianul Islam 327 UNB

Annex 3: Welcome Address by Mr. Md. Ruhul Amin Talukder, Research Director, FPMU, MoFDM

Respected Chairman of this session, Mr. Fazlul Karim, Director General, FPMU, Food Division, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management.

Hon’ble Chief Guest Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque MP, Minister, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management.

Special Guest Mr. Ad Spijkers, FAO Representative in Bangladesh

Guest of Honour, H. E. Mr. James F. Moriarty, U. S Ambassador to Bangladesh, Mr. Kostas Stamoulis, Director, ESA Division, FAO Headquarters, Rome, Mr. Brian Forey, Charge d’ Affairs a. i., Delegation of the European Union, Bangladesh and Mr. Ciro Fiorillo, Chief Technical Advisor, NFPCSP, FAO

Distinguished Researchers and Scientists, fellow colleagues from the ministries, representative from civil society organizations, representative from Media, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Good Morning to you all!

I am really honored to welcome you on behalf of the Food Division, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management, to this workshop where findings of 11 Programme Funded research commissioned by NFPCSP will be presented.

We all know The National Food Policy, 2006 has stressed importance of research in the process of implementation, as the policy makers need a clear appreciation of the options at their disposal and the likely result of their choices to successfully implement the policy.

The importance of research has also been felt in view of the persisting and emerging challenges of food security in the country. The recent food prices volatility of 2007-08 resulted from mainly international price hike has also alarmed to revisit the issues of the sustainability of food security. Research may appear as a tool of way out here.

On this backdrop and as part of its Research Grant Initiative of NFPCSP jointly implemented by FPMU of Food Division and FAO, supported by EC and USAID has been supporting 44 research projects. The scheduled presentation of the research is the part of this initiative.

You will be pleased to know that the studies being carried out have relevance to the strategies of the National Food Policy. These studies are expected to provide policy-makers with evidence based policy related knowledge and actionable recommendations to support the implementation of the National Food Policy.

In the various technical sessions of this workshop, your active participation will help to review and share the importance issues and certainly improve the research works. This workshop is expected to provide the opportunities for better understanding of the research goals and their implications with reference to the National Food Policy especially to address food security issues in the country.

I am extremely pleased to see that such a large group of experts and personalities representing the government, non-government organizations and development practitioners gathered today to make this dialogue successful and I hope and believe that it will come out with valuable suggestions and recommendations.

I thank you all for your presence in this workshop. I particularly thank our Chief Guest, Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque for gracing this workshop in spite of his very tight schedules. I also thank the Chairman of this session Mr. Fazlul Karim, Director General, Food Planning and Monitoring Unit, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management, for his encouragement and support. I also thank the U. S. Ambassador H. E. Mr. James F. Moriarty, the Special Guest and other Guests of honour for their continued support.

Last but not the least; I thank the distinguished professional experts, colleagues and other participants who have kindly responded to our invitation to this workshop.

Thank you all again.

Annex 4: Address by Mr. Kostas Stamoulis, Director, ESA, Rome

Respected Chairman of the Inaugural session, Mr. Mirza Fazlul Karim, Director-General, FPMU, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management

Hon’ble Chief guest Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, MP, Minister, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management

Special Guest Mr. Ad Spijkers, FAO Representative in Bangladesh

H. E. Mr. James F. Moriarty, U. S Ambassador to Bangladesh,

Mr. Brian Forey, Charge d’ Affairs a.i., Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh

Mr. Ciro Fiorillo, Chief Technical Adviser, NFPCSP, FAO

Distinguished research scientists, fellow colleagues from different ministries of the Bangladesh Government, representatives from civil society organizations, Representatives from different media, Ladies and Gentlemen

Assalamualaikum!

I have had the honour to raise the issue of global hunger from this podium in the not-so - distant past. At that time, I had pointed out how the food security situation in the world gives every reason for all of us to be pessimistic on one hand, but, at the same time, the realization of the seriousness of the food security situation was a reason for hope. I think that this general contradiction underlines the situation that is with us today. However, allow me to be more optimistic than the last time. In perspective, the factors which have been underlining the recent sharp increase in global hunger have been receding.

Food prices, although decisively higher than their recent past internationally, have come finally down in the internal markets of the developing countries. The economic crisis, still a

54 big issue in the OECD group and with a number of uncertainties and regressions has not afflicted the developing countries in the degree originally expected and there are decisive signs of recovery. This is all good news but we should not allow ourselves to fall into a sort of “irrational exuberance” and reduce our vigilance.

For one, the global economic situation is still fraught with uncertainties. Concerns over macroeconomic prospects and global financial markets are once more capturing the headlines. Changes in the economic environment, including continuing fluctuations in exchange rates and high unpredictability have a strong influence on agricultural commodity markets.

From the supply side, however, the 2008-2009 price booms spurred plantings and production of many food crops, resulting in a recovery in inventories and boosting stocks-to-use ratios, a tendency likely to prevail also in 2010/11. In fact, from sugar to wheat, most indicators point to increasing world supplies, a leading factor behind the sharp declines in international prices of major food staples this year. The overall food price index further declined in the last 3 months.

On the rice situation, after falling for most of 2009, international rice prices bounced back in November and December but this temporary increase came to an end in January 2010 when prices resumed a downward trend. The FAO All Rice Price Index, which dropped steadily from 251 to 201 points between January and May 2010. In the first five months of the year, it averaged 223 points, 43 points less than in January–May 2009. Although all market segments manifested weakness, Japonica and low-quality Indica rice were particularly affected, FAO’s first forecast of world paddy production in 2010 points to a 3.6 percent increase to a record 707 million tonnes although this outlook is highly tentative. The overall conclusion here is that if price increases have been a major factor in the sharp increases in hunger in the 2 year period since 2007, we can be hopeful that things will look better. However, lowering the guard against the emergence of another crisis should not be in the order of the day. The price explosion in 2008 was not the result of a drastic reduction in global supplies but overall uncertainty and events in other markets. When the world and markets integrate, the shock can come from diverse angles.

I should also underline the fact that I am hopeful about progress in hunger reduction as a result of changes in global governance of the food and agricultural system. It seems that all 3 components of a Global Partnership for Food Security and Agriculture: scientific, political and financial are being put in place . More importantly this global partnership is reflected in national efforts and, at the same time, national efforts are getting support in global processes.

The participation in and agenda of the plenary session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) reflects clearly a renewed role of the committee as the political and scientific component of the emerging global partnership. There is emphasis on a multi-stakeholder effective participation and voice during the deliberations of the committee in the process of decision making on important global policy issues. The discussions emphasize the hammering out of policy convergence among all partners on important issues such as protracted crises, land tenure and investment principles and on safety nets to face climate change and market volatility. The Committee will explore ways to link to and facilitate the coherence among major global initiatives such as the Standing committee on Nutrition and the MDG follow-up process. It will also explore ways to link to regional food security initiatives and country processes. The committee will invite countries to share their

55 experiences, opportunities and challenges on building and implementing food security programmes and discuss with partners how can the Committee support such a process. Finally, scientific integrity of the work of the committee will be enhanced by a High Level Panel of Experts, an international group of top experts in the field who will provide unbiased scientific support to the Committee’s deliberations. It follows that the political and scientific pillars of the Global partnership are being put into place.

Bangladesh has officially been invited by the Chair of the Committee and by the Director General of FAO to prepare and present a case study on “A Comprehensive Approach to Food Security: the National Food Policy plan of Action” in a session the organization of which is entirely up to the Government of Bangladesh with support as necessary from the Secretariat of the Committee. In inviting Bangladesh to make this presentation and organize the workshop, the committee considered the fact that Bangladesh has plenty to show to and share with the world. I am sure that many of you are aware how the National Food Policy of the Government of Bangladesh and its plan of action paved the way for the Country Investment Plan and further lead to success of the proposal which Bangladesh submitted for funding to the GAFSP. I have the fortune to participate in the workshop on the Country’s Food Security Investment Plan not-so long ago where several partners participated. In my view Bangladesh has not only successful outcomes on food security and food security planning and policy but it can also be proud of a participatory process which led to that outcome. This has allowed Bangladesh to become a model country at the international level for its approach to policy and investment promotion and its ability to promote partnership between Government, Development Partners, Private sector and Civil Society. This has clearly emerged from the successful participation of Bangladesh in the Food Security Investment Forum held in Manila just few days ago.

And as the GAFSP process constitutes the third pillar of the Global Partnership, what we are witnessing is Bangladesh taking center stage in all important components of the emerging global alliance.

Distinguished Chair Honourable guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

This is the 9 th workshop I have participated on the NFPCSP’s research programme. A research programme which not only adds scientific credibility and evidence-based background to the food security policy in Bangladesh but it is also relevant as it corresponds to the expressed needs of those who think and make food security policy in Bangladesh. It is also a research programme which builds capacity and provides an opportunity for the country to mobilize its human capital potential towards achieving food security through sound policy achieved so far.

During these years, I have seen the Bangladesh policy framework for food security taking shape side by side to the renewed efforts in research. The National Food Policy was articulated in a comprehensive Plan of Action for the coordinated implementation of the policy by all relevant government agencies. The monitoring of the Plan of Action has been promptly initiated and progress in its implementation assessed also on the basis of the research conducted under the NFPCSP. The many actions included under the PoA have been prioritized by defining a Country Investment Plan. This provides a framework for coordinating action and monitoring impacts of government and development partners’ investments, allowing the mobilization of additional resources for investing on food security consistently with the policy priorities of the country.

In this sense, the undertaking of the research program that is being concluded today is not only an interesting exercise from a scientific point of view. It is a case in which scientific knowledge is directly feeding into the policy making and financing of food security interventions.

Distinguished Chair, Honourable Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

My Organization is proud to participate to the overall effort by the GoB, its development partners and the other stakeholders represented here today. I am also thankful and consider myself lucky to have been given the opportunity to be involved in this when it was still a vague idea. What we are all achieving, shows that it is very well worth the effort. Bangladesh is at the center of the food security scene at global level. This visibility is, no doubt, a good thing. It creates however expectations to achieve concrete results, to deliver, to consolidate the achievements to expand and deepen progress. I am sure that under the able leadership of the Governments of the countries and with the participation in and support of its efforts by all of us, those results are definitely forthcoming. I thank you.

Annex 5: Address by Guest of Honour H.E. Mr. James F. Moriarty, U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh

Honorable Minister for Food and Disaster Management, Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque;

Director-General, FPMU, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management, Mr. Mirza Fazlul Karim;

Bangladesh Government Officials;

Development Partners; Distinguished Participants;

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Assalam-u-Alaikum and good morning!

Thank you for inviting me here today for this important event. As we all are aware, food security in recent years has been an area of enormous interest to the Government and people of Bangladesh. The country has made great strides in reducing poverty and increasing food security. Bangladesh is nearly food self-sufficient when it comes to rice production. Yet Bangladesh is also one of the world’s most densely populated countries. And, unfortunately, due to river erosion, soil salinization, urban growth, and climate change, the land available for agricultural production has been shrinking by an average of one percent per year. In addition it has become increasingly evident that food security is not simply about food production. It is equally important to have access to that food and that the food we consume is balanced and nutritious. As many as 30 million Bangladeshis are undernourished and do not have access to enough food to eat three meals a day, as we who sit here today are able to do. Food security, undoubtedly, is one of the biggest challenges for Bangladesh. The United States Government, in partnership with the Bangladesh Government and other development

partners, continually looks for new ways to enhance accessibility, utilization and availability of food for the people of Bangladesh.

Recently President Obama, through his Feed the Future initiative, committed $135 million to Bangladesh to improve agricultural production and food security. The United States Government has also set up a multi-donor trust fund for food security through the World Bank; Bangladesh will receive $52 million for food security through that trust fund. In addition, we have committed an additional $220 million over the next five years in food assistance to increase household-level food security of the extreme poor in Bangladesh. And just last week President Obama announced that Bangladesh will be a focus country for GHI, his Global Health Initiative. GHI will bring additional resources to Bangladesh for nutrition, a key element of food security.

We consider the National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Program essential in assisting the Bangladesh Government to find solutions to food insecurity. And we are pleased to collaborate with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the European Union to support the Government with this project.

The Bangladesh Government emphasizes food policy research as a means of making more effective and informed decisions. We believe that research conducted under the National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Program can lead this nation towards improved policy choices that will ensure greater food security

I am sure that this workshop will educate us all -- policy makers, administrators and civil society actors. We look forward to reviewing and analyzing these research findings, so that we can work together to improve food security. I encourage you to develop concrete and useful recommendations to strengthen Bangladesh Government’s ability to better define and implement its food policy agenda.

I wish you every success in the workshop as we work together to help realize our common goal - securing accessibility, utilization, and availability of food and thus a brighter tomorrow for all Bangladeshis. Thank you.

Annex 6: Address by Guest of Honour Mr. Brian Forey, Charge d’Affaires a.i., Delegation of the European Union, Bangladesh

Honorable Minister, Chief Guest,

Mr. Chair,

Guests of honour and Special guests,

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is my pleasure and honour to speak at this workshop that provides a platform for the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU) of the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management to foster dialogue and collaboration within and between Government and civil society. The event is an important milestone under the Government’s National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme (NFPCSP), jointly funded by the European Union and USAID, and implemented by the Government with technical assistance provided by FAO, as it marks the completion of the research activities supported during the first phase of NFPCSP. 58

Over the past four years, more than one million US dollars have been invested by NFPCSP to support a total of 44 research studies, covering the full spectrum of food security issues. Numerous consultations at regional and national levels took place during those years, to discuss the findings of the completed research. Today’s workshop will conclude the formal presentation of the last research activities results.

This type of activities is important because food security remains a particularly challenging issue. In Bangladesh, population growth and the expected impact of climate change are additional factors threatening long term national food security. Out continued joint efforts are necessary, if we want to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of halving hunger by 2015.

It is clear that to achieve food security in Bangladesh, the right mix of policies needs to be in place and implemented in a flexible way, allowing adaptation to emerging issues. The National Food Policy and its Plan of Action together with the recently discussed Food Security Country Investment Plan are important its fight against food insecurity.

To be efficient and effective, these processes need to be well informed and participatory. Endeavors such as the research activities supported by NFPCSP and the regular consultations between policy makers, key representative and members of civil society, academics and other development stakeholders are important contributors to the process. Of particular importance are the discussions on the policy implications of the recently concluded research activities.

Participation in the previous workshop where research results were discussed was large and active. A wide range of stakeholders are again present today and this is a clear encouragement. It is only by embedding policies in sound and clear analysis, based on relevant research, that the necessary enabling environment for sustainable food security can be re-enforced.

I trust that the discussions during this workshop will prove that the rigorous process through which research needs were identified, research proposals selected and research contracts implemented, has produced the high quality outcomes that will enrich the policy dialogue amongst all stakeholders. We trust that the future research activities to be supported by the National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme will continue to provide high quality outcomes.

Thank you very much.

Annex 7: Address by the Chief Guest Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, MP, Minister, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management

Mr. Chairman, Mirza Fazlul Karim , Director-General, FPMU Ministry of Food and Disaster Management ;

Guests of Honour :

Mr. Kostas Stamoulis , Director, ESA Division, FAO Headquarters;

Mr. Brian Forey, Charge d’Affairs, Delegation of the European Union;

Mr. James F. Moriarty , US Ambassador to Bangladesh

Special Guest, Mr. Ad Spijkers , FAO Representative in Bangladesh;

Chief Technical Advisor, NFPCSP, Mr. Ciro Fiorillo ,

Fellow colleagues from the MoFDM and partner Ministries, Guests and Experts from other national and international organizations, Representatives from different Media, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Assalamu Alaikum and Good Morning!

It is a great pleasure for me to be present here at today’s Workshop on “Research in Support of Food Security Policies: Availability, Access and Nutritional Issues”, organized by the National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme, FAO and the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management, Government of Bangladesh. I also had the opportunity to be present at three other similar workshops, the last one being held in March this year. I am glad to see that these Food Security related research awarded through this programme are being closely monitored and the results are being shared with government authorities, a cross-section of experts and civil society members.

Ladies and Gentlemen, This workshop is being held at a time when a lot of events have occurred at home and abroad with renewed emphasis on food security. The Government of Bangladesh considers agriculture, food security and nutrition as major priority areas. Although we have made impressive achievement in foodgrain production since independence, we are still facing considerable challenges in the areas of population growth, climate change, deterioration of scarce natural resources and persistence of large scale poverty. Achieving food and nutritional security is considered by our Government as a prime development agenda to make the country a middle income one as envisaged in our Vision 2021 . This commitment matches with the renewed global commitment that resulted from the food crisis of 2007-08. The particular events that followed the crisis were the G-8 Summit held at L’Aquila in July 2009 and the World Food Security Summit held in Rome in November 2009. During these events, the world community pledged funds and committed to support country led plans that would reflect countries’ investment requirement for increased food and nutrition security.

In this context, I am glad to announce that Bangladesh has successfully prepared the Country Investment Plan (CIP) to implement the food security programmes following the big event Bangladesh Food Security Investment Forum held in Dhaka on 26-27 May this year. This CIP was jointly prepared by the Government of Bangladesh and FAO. It builds on the National Food Policy (2006) and its Plan of Action formally launched in 2009. It also builds on 6 thematic papers jointly developed by the Bangladesh Government, International Food Policy Research Institute and Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies.

The CIP is a comprehensive plan aligned with the 6 th Five Year Plan currently being prepared by the Government. It is the conversion of the food policy plan of action and other planning 60 frameworks into investment programmes to fill gap, scale up current positive interventions and develop new programmes prioritized by the Government. The CIP aims at securing from multilateral and bilateral partners funds additional to those made available by our Government. Based on the CIP, Bangladesh has been the first recipient of a grant of 50 million US$ in Asia. Efforts are under way to secure larger funds from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programmes (GAFSP).

Distinguished Participants I want to add here that I am just back from the Investment Forum for Food Security in Asia and Pacific, held in Manila from 7 to 9 July. In this Forum we presented our experience and discussed a Country Partnership Framework (CPF) to coordinate our development partners’ commitment to join our efforts to improve food security and nutrition. The partners outlined their respective programmatic time-bound strategic frameworks. The CPF also aims at mobilizing investment from the private sector. Let us hope that Bangladesh will secure a large share of the committed global resources for improving agriculture, food security and nutrition in the country.

I am glad to see that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in collaboration with the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU) of the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management, and the policy and planning wings of 11 partner Ministries are trying to implement the National Food Policy through monitoring of its Plan of Action and put in place the programmatic framework required for fostering investments in food security. The National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme (NFPCSP) of the FAO is playing a commendable role in this regard. I thank FAO for taking up the Programme, and the European Union and the USAID for giving financial support for its implementation.

I can see that this workshop is being attended by a large number of participants from research and civil society organizations engaged in quality research on strategic food security policy related issues. I am confident that the collective efforts of research by these organizations facilitated by the NFPCSP would add enormously to the body of knowledge so crucial for informed policy making in the country.

I wish the workshop all success and assure you all that the policy recommendations that will emerge from the research studies will be carefully examined with high priority and will be utilized in implementing the National Food Policy Plan of Action and the Country Investment Plan.

I thank the organizers for inviting me to this workshop as the Chief Guest. With these few words I declare the Workshop open.

Thank you all.

Joy Bangla

Annex 8: Address by the Chair, Mr. Mirza Fazlul Karim, Director- General, FPMU, MoFDM

Hon’ble Chief Guest, Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, MP, Minister, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management (MoFDM) Special Guest, Mr. Ad Spijkers, FAO Representative in Bangladesh Guests of Honour: Mr. Kostas Stamoulis, Director, ESA, FAO HQ, Rome Mr. Brian Forey, Charge de Affairs a.i., Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Mr. James F. Moriarty, US Ambassador to Bangladesh Chief Technical Advisor, NFPCSP, Mr. Ciro Fiorillo and TAT members; Fellow colleagues from the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management; Guests and Experts from civil society and research organizations; Representatives from the Media;

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good Morning to you all!

It is my pleasure to be here at today’s Workshop on “Research for Food Security Policies: Availability, Access and Nutrition Issues”, organized by the National Food Policy Capacity Strengthening Programme, FAO and the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management, Government of Bangladesh. I congratulate the organizers for holding this workshop at this timely and opportune juncture. We are at a turning point where the Government has identified priority programmes based on the National Food Policy and its Plan of Action. Development partners have expressed solidarity and support towards strengthening the implementation of actions based on evidence drawn from what has worked and what has not worked. In particular, the government is committed to promote specific action programmes for faster growth and poverty reduction, achieving agricultural productivity, dietary diversification, enhancing food access food security and nutrition improvement for all, especially for women and children and other vulnerable groups.

Ladies and Gentlemen , the goal of Bangladesh National Food Policy is to ensure a dependable food security system for all people at all times. It transcends beyond the traditional issues of food production and availability and relates them to the equally important dimensions of access to food and sound utilization of food for nutrition. The National Food Policy Plan of Action (2008-2015) launched by the Government in May 2009 serves as a reference framework to implement food security actions and monitor progress towards achieving the objectives of food security policy of the country. The research initiatives under NFPCSP are aimed towards identifying the food security gaps and suggesting actionable policy options.

Ladies and Gentlemen , Bangladesh has made a commendable progress in food grain production. In the past 2 decades the problem of food availability as a component of food security has steadily improved. Increase in food grain production has been three times since independence through rapid adoption of improved agricultural technology and irrigation,

62 improved infrastructure and transport linkages, private food imports and have all contributed to increased and stable supplies of food grains in Bangladesh.

Yet food security challenges remain. Farmers face deteriorating soil fertility, excessive draw –down of groundwater for irrigation using shallow and deep tube wells and increased vulnerability of improved varieties to pests and diseases. Emerging challenges such as climate change will continue to affect food security in Bangladesh given that the ability of the country to adapt to climate change is limited. However, potential production response to high prices is impeded by land and water constraints as well as under investment in agriculture. Implementation and management and higher yield will have to come from higher productivity.

The lessons learned from the 2008 global food price hike clearly demonstrate that the population needs to be safeguarded and buffered from the price volatility of the world market. The government has attached top priority to augment domestic food production, increase public stock and expand the coverage of safety nets. Strategic review and analysis of safety net programs to track cost effectiveness and efficiency need to carry out and greater participation at all levels of government in the planning, targeting and monitoring and evaluation of safety net programs is urgently required. PFDS need to be improved for increasing market efficiency and physical infrastructure including storage facilities at national, sub national and village need to be scaled up and improved. There is need for viable long term investments in support of sustained agriculture growth with long term gains in food security and nutrition.

A large proportion of the population, especially the women and children, still suffer from malnutrition with around 43% of young children having chronic malnutrition. The government is giving utmost importance to using a life cycle approach given its critical role in improving food security and nutrition and maintaining momentum in reaching the MDG targets. There is need for enhancing production diversification towards non cereal foods such as livestock, fish, milk, legumes and horticulture. The national food basket should provide the required amounts of cereals, pulses, meat, egg, fish, vegetables and fruit and fat and sugars that will provide the essential nutrients. Establishment and adoption of “desirable” dietary patterns for nutrition improvement, appropriately formulated to meet micronutrient needs is an area of policy attention. Updated food composition tables (FCT) for dietary and nutritional assessment and formulation of national diets and for food and agriculture planning are some of the important policy tools that need to be developed. Inadequate nutrient density of food rations to bridge food security gaps and poor resource allocation along with inadequate targeting as well as ensuring food safety and quality are other important policy challenges that need to be addressed.

I note that a number of research studies on food availability, access and nutrition issues are being presented in this workshop. The topics will cover important issues related to food composition database of selected ethnic foods in the Chittagong Hill Tract, assessment of post harvest technologies of micronutrient rich horticulture foods, the nutrient composition and formulating policy for reduction of post harvest losses; agriculture inputs and reducing post harvest losses related to cereal crops and fisheries and policy options; food security and livelihoods of disadvantaged people, management of agricultural systems of CHT region, livelihood adaptation to economic volatility and shocks, long term impacts of vulnerability on crop production due to climate change, food poverty and vulnerability of children from monga and ethnic minority households as well as food security strategies in haor areas.

I believe that the information and knowledge generated through the research would help to strengthen the capacity of policy making. The findings of the research studies are expected to inform the implementation of the Bangladesh National Food Policy and its Plan of Action (2008-2015). These documents have played a central role in channelling resources and identifying investment programmes to improve food security and nutrition, these were recently consolidated in the Country Investment Plan (CIP) prepared through inter-ministerial consultations that culminated in the Bangladesh Food Security Investment Forum held in May 2010 with the presence of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as Chief Guest. The CIP has served as the basis for approval of support of around US $ 50 Million to Bangladesh under the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme.

I would expect that private sector and partners; the topics will cover I would like to thank NFPCSP for undertaking these research and studies which are enriching food policy capacity strengthening and the process. I also thank FPMU, NFPCSP and partner Ministries for their efforts in monitoring the Plan of Action and participating in the monitoring of the research studies. I would like to extend my gratitude to the European Union and USAID for the financial support and FAO for its technical assistance to the program.

I wish the workshop all success and like to assure that the policy recommendations that emerge from the research studies will be examined with high priority. I thank the organizers and put the thoughts to enrich the WS.

Thank you all.