Scientists, media professionals, and agricultural journalists highlighted evidence-based media reporting in a knowledge-sharing programme titled “Knowledge Sharing & Capacity building on Agricultural Media Reporting” held on November 22, 2022, at Long Beach Hotel, Cox’s Bazar.
The event, organized for agricultural journalists of Cox’s Bazar, aimed to enhance skills in evidence-based reporting for a better understanding of modern agricultural innovations including modernization and commercialization of agriculture, genetic engineering, climate change, nutrition, and food security issues.
Over 20 journalists from print and electronic media from Cox’s Bazar participated in the program organized by Farming Future Bangladesh (FFB), sharing stories and insights into existing agricultural practices and how to best incorporate evidence-based science and existing farming norms and standards.
Food security issues, climate change and future challenges were elaborated, and the role of science and evidence-based reporting was highlighted in solving local agricultural challenges.
Md. Arif Hossain, CEO and Executive Director of the FFB, inaugurated the training program by thanking all the participants, panelists, and other dignitaries.
“Our goal is to incorporate evidence-based decision making while we tackle challenges in agriculture, and Farming Future Bangladesh is working to improve public perception about the benefits of modern agricultural innovations for sustainable food security in Bangladesh”, he said.
He added, “Media and communication professionals play a vital and complementary role in information dissemination and extension of modern agricultural innovation. Their understanding of science in agriculture is crucial to developing authentic information that enriches policy makers, farmers, and the public alike.”
Later, he invited the participating journalists to work together to establish and improve the enabling environment for research and innovation in food and security issues.
Dr. Md. Tofazzal Islam, Professor & Director of Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), stressed spearheading accurate scientific information and avoiding conspiracy theories in the light of agricultural development. “Biotechnology has enormous potential, and we should invest more in research and innovation to develop our capacity to address future food security challenges.
As media professionals, you all have a vital role in taking authentic information to all spheres of society. This is a job that scientists and policymakers cannot do alone, " he said in his session.
Farming Future Bangladesh has been actively engaging journalists and sectoral experts for skill development and improved access to agricultural innovations.
The science-based organization organized similar capacity-building programs and provided training to over 100 agricultural journalists of Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Khulna divisions. It also awarded Media Fellowship to six agricultural journalists in 2021.