Our actions are our future

October 16 was the World Food Day. The theme of this year's World Food Day, "Our actions are our future," calls on everyone to be a food hero contributing to the transformation of agri-food systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind. The whole world is now looking at developments, but differently. If we look at the world's food and food production system right now, we can see that the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 40 percent of the world's population or more than three billion people do not have access to healthy food. On the other hand, more than two billion people are overweight. As a result, it is feared that by 2030, the cost of healthcare will reach 130 billion US dollars.

There are now one billion people in the world who are involved in agriculture and food-related work, which is more than any other sector. Small and marginal farmers provide 33 percent of the world's food. About 20 percent of the world's women, aged between 25 to 34 years, live in extreme poverty. 16 percent of indigenous women earn less than two dollars a day. Overall, the food production sector is responsible for 33 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. About 14 percent of the world's food is wasted due to errors in harvesting, transportation and storage. At the consumer level, 18 percent of food is wasted. Fifty five percent of the world's population now live in cities. About 17 percent of the world's people are constantly consuming unsafe food with harmful effects of bacteria, viruses, parasites and chemicals. Climate change hits the rural poor. Not only is the yield of the crop decreasing, but it is also reducing all the essential nutrients like vitamins and proteins of the crop. Decreased soil fertility is having an inclusive impact on biodiversity.

Just when the world is calculating this situation, Bangladesh is talking about food self-sufficiency, progress and the best use of land. It is a revolutionary achievement in the production of high-value fruit crops. We have unimaginable success in the production of animal protein. Our young entrepreneurs are building the food and nutrition belt of the country by overcoming many adversities. Without going into any conventional statistics, it can be said that our cultivable land is declining. As a result, land for basic food grains is also declining. Vertical production efforts have started in crop production, fish farming, livestock and milk production. The UN Food Systems Summit, held during the UN General Assembly in New York on September 23, 2021, set the stage for global food systems transformation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina presented a five-point suggestion for ensuring a resilient food system globally. It will be crucial in the coming days amid the falling food production due to climate change and growing global population. Describing the proposals, she said first there should be research, investment and advanced technology sharing for agricultural development, and then there should be increased funding for developing countries for achieving a sustainable food system. Her three other points include developing global coalitions and partnerships, reducing food waste through collaboration among countries and disbursing the committed funds to adapt to the climate-led extreme events. She said access to adequate food is a basic right that is linked to the wellbeing and health of all citizens. "The global system has social, economic, political and environmental implications." The prime minister mentioned that food security is interconnected with climate change, and the global population is expected to be 10 billion by 2050.

"Therefore, it's imperative for us to grow more food for the additional people." She said the growth rate of food production in Bangladesh exceeds the rate of population growth. Bangladesh has become self-sufficient in food production from a food deficit country, and the government has been working for long-term food security. She, however, said the greater frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change is affecting our momentum. As a global leader in addressing the challenges of climate change, Bangladesh is also working on climate-resilient agriculture and food systems, the prime minister said, adding that, "In addition to food security, we intensified our efforts for ensuring food security and quality food for everyone."

This year on World Food Day, the context of climate change has been discussed more than anything else. The World Bank has prepared an important report assessing the climate situation over the past 44 years. The report says the temperature in Bangladesh will increase by 1.5 degrees Celsius while the rainfall will increase to 64mm by 2050. The most negative impact of climate change will be in the health sector. According to a survey, conducted among 3,600 households and 15,000 people, due to rise in temperatures and humidity, infectious diseases will increase in the dry season while 27 percent will fall ill in the rainy season. The respiratory inflammation will increase as well. It can be seen that if the temperature rises by 1 degree Celsius, 9.3 percent people will fall prey to various respiratory diseases, and if the humidity rises by 1 percent, 12.5 percent will be affected by respiratory diseases. People's frustration and anxiety are increasing in all seasons. The temperature of Dhaka city is increasing alarmingly. The impact of dengue also seeing a rise. The effects of dengue are exacerbated by excessive rainfall in February, and, increased temperatures and humidity in March-July. Temperatures in Bangladesh have risen by half a degree Celsius since 1980. During the summer here the temperature is rising, while the winter is getting warmer and rains are becoming longer and irregular. Rainfall is increasing in September-October. The overall situation is becoming difficult for public health.

In such a situation, we need a planned vision towards agriculture and diversity of life. For the last few years we have been giving efforts to expand agriculture in the city. Citizens are being encouraged to practice agriculture. They are aware of agriculture, safe food and climate change. Big entrepreneurs and large investments are now being made in production and trade. There is a need to build a balanced system so that our marginal and small farmers can survive. On the other hand, it is necessary to reduce the use of harmful chemicals in agriculture, follow the purity in food processing, and prepare a specific food list to ensure the nutrition of all. Our preparation and initiative today can be the foundation of the future.