DHAKA: Bangladesh is getting access to Global Agriculture and Food Security Trust Fund to draw aid from the multi-donor outlet for grants in developing the country’s agriculture and nutrition sectors.

The United States Agency for International Development (USIAD) Sunday disclosed this while announcing the expansion of its annual food aid and agriculture-support program in Bangladesh.

“Bangladesh is among the 20 potential countries to get assistance from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Trust Fund. Dhaka will have to apply for the fund by mid-June,” said USAID Mission Director Denise Rollins at a press conference at the American Club in Dhaka.

The Mission Director also said the USA is increasing its food aid to Bangladesh up to $44 million this year from $30-35 million given previously. “From this year, we will be providing $220 million for food aid for the next five years.”

But, she added, Bangladesh needs to finalize its Food Security Action Plan and Food Security Investment policy, before getting funds from the trust fund.  

Moreover, the US will also help Bangladesh increase agricultural productivity under US President Barrack Obama's ‘Feed the Future Initiative’.

Ms Rollins said, “In last 15 to 20 years, there was almost no assistance from us to Bangladesh in agriculture sector. Now the USAID has redirected its focus on agriculture development and nutrition, and decided to allocate fund of $15.5 million this year to ensure the food-safety net and improve the nutrition status of the people, particularly the children below five years.”

The total amount of the Trust Fund will be US$ 1.3 billion for next three years. The US will contribute US$ 475 million to the Trust Fund. Other donors like Spain, Canada, Australia and South Korea will be contributing to the Fund to be operated by the World Bank.

The fund was launched on April 22 this year at Washington, DC.  

BDST: 1915 HRS, May 23, 2010
AKR/SMS/MUA