Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Monday called for establishing the Saarc Food Bank to meet the growing challenge of food security in the South Asian region. He was speaking as chief guest at the Saarc finance governors' symposium on food security at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel in the capital in the morning.

Muhith also viewed that the South Asian region has become more vulnerable in terms of food security due to climate change. He also emphasised proper monitoring and subsidising the farmers by the central banks to increase their ability to consume as well as the food production. Food and Disaster Management Minister Abdur Razzaque, Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Dr Atiur Rahman and representatives and high officials from the central banks of South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (Saarc) member countries were, among others, present at the daylong symposium.

The concept paper of the Saarc Food Bank was prepared during the 12th summit in Islamabad, held in January 2004. It was formalised in the 13th summit, held in Dhaka. The heads of state or government noted the proposal for establishment of the regional food bank proposed by India and agreed to examine the proposal. Later in 2007, the pre-summit meeting of the Saarc Council of Ministers, held on April 2 in New Delhi, signed the deal to finalise the establishment of the Saarc Food Bank; to meet the growing challenge of food security of more than 1.5 billion people of the region.

The summit also adopted a declaration for establishing the Saarc Food Bank. But steps are yet to be taken for establishment of the food bank and to commence its functions. The establishment of Saarc Food Bank was aimed to come in aid to its member countries; to meet the emergency food crisis due to destruction of crops by natural calamites or any other reasons. The Saarc Food Bank was likely to start functioning, initially, with 241,580 tons of food grain, which would be increased gradually.

-Daily Star