Experts Say: Innovative Stress-Tolerant Crops Are Key to Ensuring Food Security

RANGPUR, April 26, 2025 (BSS) – Experts emphasize the urgent need for innovation in agriculture to tackle the challenges posed by climate change. The cultivation of stress-tolerant and disease-resistant crops is essential for boosting food security in the country.

Dr. MA Mazid, a renowned agricultural scientist and winner of the Independent Award for Food Security in 2018, highlighted the importance of continuously developing and promoting these resilient crops among farmers. He warns that climate change is impacting key agricultural areas like irrigation and biodiversity.

“We must innovate to create crop varieties that can withstand the stresses of our changing climate,” Dr. Mazid urged. The timing of seasonal rainfall, flooding patterns, and planting periods are shifting significantly, especially in regions like northwestern Bangladesh.

Another expert, Md. Mamunur Rashid, a PhD fellow at Dinajpur Haji Mohammad Danesh University, noted alarming changes in climate that affect irrigation and ecosystems. He argues, “The urgency for stress-tolerant crops grows as we face floods, droughts, and declining water resources.”

Dr. Tuhin Wadud, a prominent environmentalist at Begum Rokeya University, pointed out that falling groundwater levels and drying rivers exacerbate these agricultural challenges. “We must revive water resources and develop new cultivation technologies to ensure food security,” he stated.

Rashid warned that without proactive measures, the agricultural sector could suffer even greater impacts from climate change. He praised farmers who successfully grow flood and drought-resistant rice, as well as other stress-tolerant crops.

Md. Afzal Hossain, a deputy director at the Department of Agricultural Extension in Rangpur, elaborated on the government’s ongoing efforts to promote these resilient crop varieties to keep pace with the growing population’s food needs. “Programs are in place to increase food output by developing more robust cereal crops,” he said.

Statistics show that resilient crop development can significantly increase yield under stress conditions, making it a vital area for investment. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that countries focusing on crop resilience see higher food security levels, illustrating the importance of these innovations.

As the agricultural landscape shifts due to climate change, the integration of advanced technologies and sustainable practices becomes pivotal. Continuous support for research and farmer education remains crucial for addressing these challenges effectively.

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