They said raising awareness about contamination, and strict control over the use of pesticides are a must to ensure safe food.

The six-day training programme on 'Food processing and preservation, and contamination of food chain' was organised jointly by the Institute of Food Science and Technology (ISFT) and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) at the BCSIR seminar room in the city.

Speaking as chief guest, Science and ICT Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said food and agricultural scientist have to create awareness among the people about food contamination for better life.

He said using latest technology and scientific method in food processing and preservation, we can store our surplus food for lean period as well as develop agro-based industry.

The scientists have to disseminate information about serious impact of insecticides on crops, Dr Moyeen said, adding that they should also work for developing natural food preservation system.

"We should create awareness among our farmers to avoid the use of excessive fertiliser and insecticides on the crops," said Md Golam Maula Majumder, acting chairman of the BCSIR.

BCSIR acting director Golam Kibria, and Dr Anwar Iqbal of Brac also spoke on the occasion.