June 2020, South Asia
Bangladesh | FAO provides rice seed to thousands of farmers affected by COVID-19 and Cyclone Amphan

FAO, in partnership with the Department of Agricultural Extension, has distributed rice seed to 24 000 farmers in Cox’s Bazar in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and last month’s super cyclone. The emergency response will provide support for farmers who have been hit hard by the two simultaneous crises, helping to safeguard their livelihoods during a time of need.

“This distribution of rice seed to 24 000 farmers comes at a crucial time. Food producers have been under huge strain, having to deal with the coronavirus pandemic and a cyclone,” said Robert D. Simpson, FAO Representative in Bangladesh.

“FAO knows that shocks such as these can have a drastic effect on food security, especially for vulnerable communities. By providing farmers with high quality rice seed now, in time for the aman season crop, we will be helping them get through this difficult period, as well as provide for the overall population food security needs.”

The Department of Agricultural Extenstion (DAE) and FAO selected farmers from two sub-districts, Ukhiya and Teknaf. Staff from the two organizations, with support from government (Union Parishad) representatives, will provide a 10 kg packet of seed to each farmer, plus a hygiene kit. They will be delivered door to door to ensure maximum safety from COVID-19 transmission. More than 7 000 of the selected beneficiaries have also benefited from other FAO programmes, including farmer field schools.