He made the observation while visiting some projects under Special Food Security Programme, funded by Japan. The programme that began in 2002-2003 financial year is being implemented by FAO.

Besides agriculture, it covers 11 sectors including fishery, poultry, livestock, health and education, designed to improve life of hill people.

"I believe the dream is going to be a reality", he said while walking through narrow walkways in the hills, seeing the enchanting beauty.

Hari Godi was accompanied by his wife and Bangladesh officials during the two-day visit of the district that concluded yesterday.

The visit took him to remote areas like Daneshpara, Tetuliapara and Paitongpara in Roangchari Upazila and Mongching in Alikadam Upazila included under the project.

The ambassador and his wife expressed satisfaction seeing people taking to modern methods of cultivation with irrigation, something unseen in the hills before.

They were cordially received by local people. Hari Godi was the first Japanese envoy to visit the hill district in several years.

In the past, all the ambassadors who visited Bandarban were from Western countries.

The total cultivable land in Bandarban in 1,38,688 hectares only. Because of lack of irrigation facilities, 95,255 hectares remained uncultivated earlier, leaving the district a food deficit area. Over the years, 43,433 hectares have been brought under irrigation facilities, but the district is still not self-sufficient in food production.

For the reason, there remains food crisis in the district yet.

Agriculture and other rural sectors are now improving in Bandarban after launch of the Special Food Security Programme, which covers 21 upazilas in 17 districts.

Besides rice, other crops like wheat and maize are now produced in Bandarban.