PM for enhanced BD-Thai cooperation in agriculture

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday sought enhanced cooperation between Bangladesh and Thailand in the agricultural sector.

Sheikh Hasina made the call when visiting Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn met her at her office.

At the meeting, they mainly discussed the agriculture sector, said PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim at a post-meeting briefing.

The prime minister informed the Thai princess of the "One House One Farm Project" and micro-savings model of Bangladesh. Thailand also has a programme similar to the "One House One Farm Project", the Thai princess mentioned.

About Bangladesh's success in the agricultural sector, Hasina said Bangladeshi scientists have developed salinity-, flood- and drought-tolerant crops, aiming to boost food production in the country.

She informed the Thai princess that Bangladesh has become self-sufficient in freshwater fish and is producing huge amount of meat every year.

The prime minister showed interest in boosting cooperation between the two countries on mango cultivation, as Thailand is famous for producing the popular fruit round the year.

The Thai princess said her country has given Bangladesh "Vetiver grass" which is long and thick in size, to plant these in coastal areas and on river slopes, to prevent erosion.

She said Thailand is importing Bangladeshi litchi, which is very popular among Thai people.

PM's International Affairs Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, Principal Secretary Md Nojibur Rahman, Bangladeshi Ambassador to Thailand Sayeeda Muna Tasneem and Thai Ambassador in Dhaka Panpimon Suwannapongse were present at the meeting.