World Food Day was observed across Bangladesh yesterday with a national seminar emphasizing innovation, food security, and access to nutritious food for all.
<cite index="24-2,24-3">World Food Day was observed in Bangladesh on Friday, October 16, with calls for innovation in agriculture, stronger food security and wider access to nutritious food for all.</cite> <cite index="24-4">This year's global theme is "Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow".</cite>
<cite index="21-5">The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and other key partners, organized a national seminar at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) Auditorium in Dhaka.</cite> <cite index="24-9">Government officials, researchers, development partners, farmer representatives and private sector representatives took part.</cite>
<cite index="21-6">Discussions focused on translating agricultural research and innovation into tangible results for farmers and consumers, strengthening access to nutritious food, reducing food loss and waste, and building resilience to climate change and economic pressures, particularly for smallholder farmers.</cite> <cite index="24-5">The FAO says that combining traditional knowledge with modern innovative solutions can protect the environment while ensuring enough safe and nutritious food for everyone.</cite>
<cite index="24-10,24-11,24-12">This year's World Food Day comes amid concerns about food availability and purchasing power in the country. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that about 645 million people worldwide experienced hunger last year, while about 2.7 billion people could not afford a healthy diet.</cite> The observance highlights the importance of innovation and cooperation in ensuring food security for Bangladesh and the world.