RAJSHAHI, March 7, 2024 (BSS)- Collective efforts of all the government and non-government organizations concerned can be the best way of protecting agriculture from the existing challenges in the region.

Conventional agriculture is now facing various challenges, particularly the adverse impact of climate change, in the region, including its vast Barind tract. So, there is a need for collaborative efforts to face the challenges.

Academics and agricultural experts came up with the observation while addressing a stakeholder workshop titled "Assessing Community Actions and Livelihood Coping Mechanisms against Climate Change Impacts in Rajshahi region" here today.

The Department of Soil Science at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) and University of Salford, UK jointly organized the workshop at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE).

Prof Bingu Ingirige from Salford University and Prof Anwarul Abedin from the BAU's Soil Science Department addressed the workshop as focal persons.

District Training Officer of DAE Umme Salma, Senior Scientific Officers of Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute Dr Sakhawat Hossain and Dr Jahedul Islam, Principal Scientific Officer of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute Dr Fazlul Islam and Principal Scientific Officer of Soil Resource Development Institute Shahidul Islam also spoke disseminating their expertise on the issue.

The meeting was told that many government organizations are implementing various time-fitting programmes to promote the region's farming system for food security through mitigating the challenges, including drought and uneven rainfall.

Various issues related to promotion of surface water for lessening the gradually mounting pressure on underground water, habituating farmers with less-water consuming crops, conservation agriculture and aquifer recharge were discussed elaborately.

Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) has been re-excavating derelict ponds, canals and other wetlands for bringing the farming fields under surface water irrigation.

By adopting various demand-driven projects and initiatives, the region has attained significant successes in the field of enhancing production. The region's people are enjoying the fruits of the successes immensely.

The meeting also put emphasis on using modern technologies in agriculture for making it profitable and sustainable so that it can ensure food security for the population.