The Bangladesh Agricultural Journalists Forum (BJAF) has announced a 25-day programme to mark its 25th anniversary, including a three-day international agriculture and food conference aimed at highlighting the need for stronger political commitment in the sector.

The announcement was made today (16 November) at a press conference held at the Cotton Development Board's conference room in Dhaka. 

BJAF President Shahanuare Shaid Shahin shared the details in a written statement.

Shahin said that since its establishment in 2000, the organisation has worked on agricultural journalism, farmers' rights and food policy. The BJAF is the only Bangladeshi member of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ).

He also said the main feature of the anniversary programme is a three-day international conference and training workshop comprising six sessions, centred on the theme "Political Commitment in Agriculture and Food."

Shahin said "Long-standing gaps in political commitment have hindered progress in the sector."

"We may not change politicians, but we will clearly identify where change is needed," he added, noting that senior government officials, advisers, political leaders and stakeholders have already agreed to join the sessions.

As part of a special initiative, BJAF plans to launch the process of declaring the country's first "adulteration-free and counterfeit-free agricultural input zone" in a selected upazila. 

"Farmers suffer the most from fake and adulterated inputs, yet no area has ever been declared free of such products. We aim to make this possible with government and international cooperation," Shahin said.

The organisation will also introduce a field-reporting initiative titled "Journalists at Farmers' Doorsteps," where journalists will visit agricultural zones across six regions to directly hear farmers' concerns.

BJAF General Secretary Abu Khalid said "The international conference has been designed to ensure participation from all major stakeholders. The three-day event will cover key areas of agriculture, fisheries, livestock and food systems."

"This will be the first international-standard event in Bangladesh where policymakers, entrepreneurs, farmers and private stakeholders will share a common platform to discuss agricultural challenges," he added.

 

Bangladesh Agricultural Journalists Forum (BJAF) / international agriculture and food conference