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Webinar on “ensuring food safety and supply chain in a pandemic”
Bangladesh is a most favorable country for agro-processing but building supply chain, cold chain, ecommerce, use of technology, warehousing, agriculture waste management system are some of the most important issues to be addressed now, stakeholders said in a webinar on “ensuring food safety and supply chain in a pandemic” organized by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) held on August 25, 2021. Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, Minister for Agriculture joined the event as chief guest while Secretary, Ministry of Food Dr. Mosammat Nazmanara Khanum joined as special guest. DCCI President Rizwan Rahman chaired the webinar.
DCCI President Rizwan Rahman said during the lockdown supply of food products was out of this bar as a result we have seen smooth distribution of food. Due to pandemic situation across the world hampered food safety and supply chain activities resulting to a food inflation of 5.45% in June. He also said that we have to focus on relevant regulations like GAP, GMP standards, safety-net, health-hygiene, e-commerce so that we can create a friendly ecosystem to face the challenges of any pandemic or disaster. 15% VAT on f-commerce will hamper this sector, he thus requested government to withdraw this VAT to give them some time to grow.
Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, Minister for Agriculture said we have tried to upgrade and reform the age-old policies. Ensuring safe food in Bangladesh is a big challenge. Government is also giving emphasize on ensuring safe food. We are self-sufficient in all food commodities, he said. We are committed to give people nutritious food and safe foods as well as we are prioritizing commercialization and modernization. Marketing of perishable items is a big challenge found especially in the pandemic. Mango producers did not get expected price this year as production was huge. We need international standard food processing industry to compete with the global market. He also underscored importance of coordination between BSTI and safe food authority. We will increase e-commerce facility in the food value chain system to strengthen marketing, he informed. He also urged for increasing laboratory facility across the country. Laboratory facility in Shyampur will be enhanced more and a budget of taka 156 core has already been approved.
Secretary, Ministry of Food Dr. Mosammat Nazmanara Khanum said public private partnership (PPP) can be useful for ensuring safe food in the country. We have a plan to train and create skilled workforce. Motivation of all concerned in the food value chain is important. There is lot of problems; however, we have to solve all constraints gradually. She urged the private sector to tell Government to intervene where needed.
Dr. Md. Nazrul Anwar, Director General (Grade-1), Additional Secretary, BSTI said we are harsh against the contaminated food producers. We have developed software with QR code facility will be effective in next three months and this software will help to protect duplicating BSTI logo. BSTI is working on creating awareness building but for that we need concerted efforts. BSTI is also trying to expand its activities in the district level.
Dr. Md. Saleh Ahmed, Chairman, Kernal Foundation said GAP, GMP are being practiced in the world. Recently a GAP policy was framed but now need implementation through PPP model. He also said we have lack of skilled workforce in the food value chain. Moreover, he suggested for surveillance system to ensure compliance.
Ambareen Reza, Managing Director, Foodpanda Bd. Ltd. said that in the last one year about 5000 restaurants were closed due to lack of efficient supply chain system. She also suggested to replicate RMG supply chain success model in the food value chain system. She informed that due to lack of supply chain system big names in the world do not want to come in Bangladesh. She said pricing is not an issue rather post-harvest storage facility is more important. She also urged to reduce duty on import of packaging materials.
Dr. Mahbub Alam, Advisor, Value Chain and Market Development, The World Bank said we have to unite farmers and they have been given adequate market access. Pandemic hampered the overall supply chain system which is true but he urged on digitization and technological involvement in the food sector. He also said that we have to attract new big projects and investment for food processing industries.
AFM Asif, CEO, Bengal Meat said country compliance is more important. Government should reform policy in this regard. To increase productivity, we have to utilize the science and technology. We have to aware the farmers so that we can assure compliance.
N.K.A. Mobin, FCA, FCS, Senior Vice President, DCCI gave vote of thanks.
Published on: 2021-08-25