DHAKA, Aug 2, 2023 (BSS) - Speakers at a roundtable today 
observed that climate adaptive technology, innovation must 
for development of agro based industries.

The climate change impact is posing a severe threat to the 
country's agriculture as well as to the overall economy as 
annual GDP set to shrink by 1.0 to 2.0 per cent for its 
consequences, they mentioned.

And required investment is crucial as investment of US $ 1.2 
billion within 2030 could save $11.6 billion by 2030, while 
the savings will be $59 billion by2050, they added.

The observations were made by the speakers at the roundtable 
styled "Climate Adaptation: Opportunities for Bangladesh in 
Development of Agro-based Industries," organised by the 
International Chamber of Commerce, Bangladesh (ICCB), UN's 
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Standard 
Chartered Bank at a city hotel, said a press release.

ICCB President Mahbubur Rahman chaired, while Agriculture 
Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, attended the roundtable 
as the chief guest and Environment, Forest and Climate Change 
Minister Md Shahab Uddin was special guest.

Standard Chartered Chief Executive Officer Naser Ezaz Bijoy 
FAO Representative Bangladesh Dr Nur Khondaker, CIRDAP 
Director General Dr Cherdsak Virapat also spoke.

Panelists also said a close collaboration between the private 
and public sector is needed to formulate policy to combat the 
climate change impacts for ensuring future food security of 
the country.

In his address, Dr Razzaque pointed out that a vast area of 
the country might unfortunately be inundated by sea water 
within next few decades.

He said the National Adaptation Plan of Bangladesh 2023-2050 
lists development of agro food processing industries based on 
climate sensitive crop-zoning as a core intervention area. 

 
"Promotion of mini-processing factories close to the 
production area, will contribute to building the capacity of 
our large majority of small holder farm men and women, 
promote local agrifood value chain development and contribute 
to lowering the global carbon footprint," said the minister.

"Use of digital technology in all stages of the agrifood 
value chain from production to post harvest management will 
help to enhance efficiency. The use of ICT for agriculture 
and market linkages is being expanded to enable critical flow 
of information and advisory services to farmers in rural and 
urban areas for fair price with profit margin", he said.

Shahab Uddin said agroforestry plays an essential role in 
climate adaptation by promoting biodiversity, enhancing soil 
health, and reducing the impacts of natural disasters.

"Integrating agroforestry practices into our agricultural 
landscape can foster resilience and sustainability while 
addressing climate change challenges," he said.

Mahbubur Rahman emphasized on the dynamic expansion of a 
sustainable agro-processing industry to keep economy as well 
as agriculture vibrant in a changing climatic condition.

He said Bangladesh is responsible for only 0.4 percent to 
global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions which is insignificant 
compared to other mega industrial economies, but Bangladesh 
is high on the list of countries most vulnerable to climate 
change.

Given the current trajectory, the rapidly changing climate 
conditions will trigger annual GDP losses, in the range of 
1.0 to 2.0 per cent. Beyond these macro implications, there 
are lasting consequences for food security due to the loss of 
arable land (up to 1.75 per cent every year), for education 
due to the breakdown of school infrastructure, for health due 
to high salinity and water logging, and for livelihood due to 
loss of income and assets, said Rahman.

He also mentioned that the agricultural exports from 
Bangladesh have been growing over 18 per cent for the last 
five years.

The global demand for agricultural product is also expected 
to grow by 15 per cent between 2019-2028 which provides a 
great opportunity to the Bangladesh processed food industry 
to expand its exports and help the country in its effort to 
diversify export, he said.

He also said ICC has established Agri-Food Hub (AFH), a 
collaborative ecosystem within the ICC network , bringing 
together businesses, institutions, experts, and academia in 
the agribusiness sector. It promotes multilateralism, 
sustainable development, and responsible practices to enhance 
global trade in the agri-food industry.