WORKSHOP E- AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY


Discussion leaders Hon. Shawkat Shahjahan, MP, (left), Mr Tony Worthington (centre) and Mr Tim Mulherin, MLA, (right).


Hon. Shawkat Momen Shahjahan, MP, said that the global challenge is feeding an ever-increasing population with a variety of foods while faced with a decreasing agricultural land base and the degradation of natural resources.


Hence, Parliamentarians are crucial in ensuring accountability in all public agencies, guiding the relevant agencies to significantly accelerate agricultural production,


and advising and influencing the adoption of agricultural technology development and improved farming practices. Moreover, Parliamentarians have to monitor the suitability of the various inputs to enhance agricultural production and ensure that policies are adopted in a timely manner to ensure that any deficiencies in the system are addressed. Mr Tim Mulherin, MLA,


reiterated the challenges faced by


the agricultural sector, namely, the increasing global population, the effects of climate change, and the decreasing amount of arable land. These challenges need innovative solutions and the early adoption of new technologies. Mr Mulherin felt that the widespread diffusion of advances in agricultural research and development will ensure agricultural production increases.


Therefore, Parliamentarians


play an active role in promoting the adoption of technology to increase food production. Furthermore, they have to encourage increased public and private sector investment in agricultural research and development, as well as encourage the creation of larger, more diverse scientific organizations that focus on agricultural productivity. In conclusion, he argued that politicians have to also ensure that the requisite education


The Parliamentarian | 2013: Issue Four | 271


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