Dr. Humnath Bhandari, Representative of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Bangladesh has presented his credentials to Foreign Minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 28 July 2019. In accepting the credentials of the Representative of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the Foreign Minister welcomed him to Bangladesh and wished him success in discharging his responsibilities. The Minister also assured him of the support of the government.
The Foreign Minister briefed him about the actions taken by the government under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister to ensure food security in Bangladesh and informed him that Bangladesh had become the 4th largest producer of rice in the world attaining food self-sufficiency. The Minister also highlighted the socio-economic development of Bangladesh since Independence in 1971 especially during the last decade under the present government.
The IRRI Representative thanked the Foreign Minister for accepting his credentials. He informed that IRRI was willing to strengthen its cooperation with Bangladesh especially in the areas of food security, nutrition, developing agricultural systems as well as realizing the challenges in agricultural sector for achieving inclusive agricultural development. He also reiterated IRRI’s continued support for capacity building of the researchers working in agricultural sector. He also informed that IRRI had worked closely with Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) to develop ‘Sonali Rice’ which is fortified with vitamin A.
Dr. Humnath Bhandariis a national of the Nepal. He had a long distinguished career at the IRRI. He has more than 15 years of experience in agricultural research-for-development focusing on rural livelihood, food security, poverty reduction, natural resources management, rice-based cropping systems, climate smart agriculture, agricultural technology adoption and impact, food value chains, agribusiness, market system development, and policy analysis. Before joining his new role, Dr. Bhandari worked as a Scientist (Applied Economist) of IRRI in Bangladesh since 2010.