US Ambassador Earl R Miller has lauded Bangladesh government’s efforts to educate farmers and looking at ways to mitigate pest as he ended his four-day maiden visit to south western Khulna and Jashore districts.
“I’m pleased, the Ministry of Agriculture and other bodies are working so hard to educate farmers and looking at ways to mitigate pest” he said after meeting with scientists of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) in Jashore.
The US envoy discussed with the scientists about the preventive measures to raise awareness on the threat of Fall Armyworm in Bangladesh, a new pest that can damage various crops.
Ambassador Miller, accompanied by USAID Deputy Mission Director Zeinah Salahi, met government officials, community leaders and programme participants during their visit to learn about the impact of USAID’s development work directly from the people, according to USAID.
In Jashore, Ambassador Miller also met with flower farmers, who have increased flower production through the introduction of additional flower varieties and improved cultivation techniques, based on training received through USAID programs.
Besides, the US team met with fisheries scientists working to breed the most productive and hardiest strains of native carp species, which will improve food security and increase the economic potential of the region.
In Khulna, the ambassador visited some USAID funded programmes working for poverty alleviation, disaster management and shrimp and fish processing.
The US government, through USAID, has provided more than $7 billion in development assistance to Bangladesh since 1971.
In 2017, USAID provided over $212 million to improve the lives of people in Bangladesh through programs that expand food security and economic opportunity, improve health and education, promote democratic institutions and practices, protect the environment, and increase resiliency to climate change.
(BSS)
