C T Online Desk: A virtual media tour for Bangladeshi agricultural journalists was held to discuss science-based reporting on innovative agricultural technologies and biotechnology.
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, supported virtual media tour, “The Role of Innovative Technologies in Addressing Agricultural Challenges,” on Tuesday night through zoom platform.
“These new technologies promise to speed up crop development, ensure farmers have access to more sustainable solutions, and give consumers safe, affordable access to food,” said U.S. Embassy Agricultural Attaché Ms. Megan Francic.
Senior journalists from seven print media outlets attended the media tour. Media personnel interacted with speakers and shared their views on the status, prospects, and challenges of agricultural biotechnology.
Participating journalists expressed that agricultural news needs to be data-driven and correctly represent the science, and they noted the importance of the media staying updated with the fast-paced innovations in agriculture at the national and international levels.
In a session titled, “Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Development: impacts, challenges, and opportunities in Bangladesh,” Dr. Rakha Hari Sarker, Professor, Department of Botany, University of Dhaka and Dr. Aparna Islam, Professor, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, BRAC University, talked about the significance of advancements in agricultural biotechnology and its potential to mitigate the effects of climate change and address “hidden hunger,” or nutrient deficiency.
They also emphasized the role of the media and communication professionals in disseminating evidence-based information.
Md. Arif Hossain, CEO, and Executive Director of FFB, moderated the virtual tour.
This virtual tour was part of a series of events to be organized in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Farming Future Bangladesh (FFB), a science-based communication and community engagement organization, facilitated.
