Philippines will give assistance to Bangladesh for producing exportable and high quality pineapple variety MD2, G9 banana, Delmon tea, rare and high value Macapuno coconut.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) also will be signed soon between Bangladesh and Philippines in this regard.

The information came in a meeting between Agriculture Minister Dr M Abdur Razzaque and Philippines Agriculture Minister William Dollente Dar held before concluding session of the 36th Asia-Pacific regional conference of Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations at Hotel Inter Continental in Dhaka, reports BSS.

Bangladesh already has launched cultivation of MD2 pineapple variety by bringing 0.30 million plants of the pineapple from Philippines, according to the meeting, adding that it is underway to bring more 0.40 million plants for cultivation.

"Philippines will give this high quality pineapple plants to Bangladesh in cheaper price and easy term and condition," said the Filipino minister.

Even the two ministers were also agreed to sign a MoU soon between the two countries for enhancing cooperation in the farm sector.

Lauding the role of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her dedication to the development of the agriculture sector, William D Dar said the political will and commitment for the development of the agriculture of Bangladesh is very much praise worthy.

The agriculture, economy and human resources are still in strong positions in Bangladesh under her [Sheikh Hasina's] leadership," William added.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Dr Razzaque urged Philippines to take mango variety and high yielding BRRI Dhan-89 from Bangladesh and the minister sought the experience of Golden rice cultivation in Philippines.

Later, the agriculture minister held a bilateral meeting with Sri Lankan Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage. The Sri Lankan agriculture minister expressed keen interest to import potatoes from Bangladesh during the meeting.

On the contrary, Agriculture Minister Dr M Abdur Razzaque underlined the need for enhancing mutual cooperation with the coconut research centre of Sri Lanka.

Dr Razzaque then made a courtesy call with Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Laos Mr Thongphat Vongmany. The Deputy Minister assured Bangladesh to give necessary cooperation in rice import from Laos in case of any emergency.

The Financial Express(2022, March 11). Philippines to help Bangladesh for producing exportable pineapple, banana, tea, coconut. The Financial Express. https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/philippines-to-help-bangladesh-for-producing-exportable-pineapple-banana-tea-coconut-1647010170