Minister aims to increase targeted investment for food producers

City Desk :
The first ever Bangladesh Agricultural Investment Forum has started its journey today as part of a fresh drive to accelerate country’s agricultural transformation.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to increase targeted investment and access to finance for food producers and Agri-processing companies.

It brings together key stakeholders along the Agri-food value chain, including business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, banks, and policymakers, reports BSS.

Agriculture Minister Dr M Abdur Razzaque was present as chief guest at the opening session of the forum here with Agriculture Secretary Wahida Akter in the chair.

Major development partners supporting the initiative include CGIAR, Embassy of Denmark, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), World Bank Group, and World Food Programme, a FAO press release said.

Having achieved many impressive agricultural milestones, Bangladesh is shifting from a focus on food security towards nutrition security, plus food quality, processing, and exports.

At the same time, overall demand for food in Bangladesh is rising and people’s food choices are changing.

With a sizeable and growing middle-income class there will be a move away from rice to more expensive foods such as meat and fish, dairy products, and fruit and vegetables.

Continued rapid urbanisation will result in increased demand for processed and convenience food.

Consumers will be looking for more choice, better nutrition, and higher levels of food safety.

All of this creates opportunities for Bangladeshi food producers and food-related businesses.