The Role of Innovative Technologies in Addressing Agricultural Challenges

Dr. Rakha Hari Parker and Dr. Aparna Islam delivered talks on February 8, 2022 at “The Role of Innovative Technologies in Addressing Agricultural Challenges,” a virtual media tour organized by the State Department, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) at the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh. Part of a series to be organized in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines, the event was focused on discussing  science-based reporting on innovative agricultural technologies, including biotechnology, with media professionals, with an emphasis on the vast potential of this innovative technology to improve outcomes for farmers, the environment, and consumers. The tour provided an overview of communication practices in agricultural reporting, as well as the current status and importance of agricultural biotechnology in Bangladesh.  Specific topics included genome editing, productivity, biosafety, food safety, consumption and diversified use, and regulatory challenges.

Dr. Sarker’s talk was on impact and opportunities in agriculture, during which he discussed the significance of advancements in agricultural biotechnology and its potential to mitigate the effects of climate change and address nutrient deficiency. Dr. Islam spoke about the challenges of agricultural biotechnology in research, development, and commercialization, and in particular, compliance and implementation of biosafety regulations. As part of the session on Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Development: Impacts, Challenges, and Opportunities in Bangladesh, they both also emphasized the role of the media and communication professionals in disseminating evidence-based information.

A full press release is available from the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh.