Online Desk:  Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury on Thursday said the government is working to promote climate-resilient crops as those offer a promising option for ensuring food security in coastal communities.

The environment minister said this while Dr Pratibha Singh, South Asia Regional Director of the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR), met him at the former’s office at the Secretariat, according to a press release.

Dr Mrinmoy Guha Neogi, Deputy Project Leader, University of Western Australia, was also present on the occasion.

Minister Saber welcomed ACIAR’s collaboration and said the salt-tolerant crops can provide much-needed food and income, even in areas where traditional crops fail.

Salt-tolerant wheat and pulses have the potential to make a significant difference for farmers in southern Bangladesh, he added.

Singh said the ACIAR is committed to supporting research and development of climate-resilient crops that can thrive in challenging environments.

It is also committed to working with Bangladeshi partners to develop and disseminate these technologies, the release said.

The meeting focused on exploring ways to improve food security and livelihoods for farmers in coastal regions affected by salinity intrusion.

The discussion highlighted the need for further research and extensive activities to bring salt-tolerant wheat and pulses to farmers’ fields.

Later, Uma Bhattacharya, trustee of Swaniti Initiative, a New Delhi-based research foundation, met the environment minister.