Youth urged to lead climate-smart, sustainable farming future

The future of Bangladesh’s agriculture lies in the hands of its youth—equipped with innovation, vision, and a commitment to sustainability, speakers said on Sunday at an inaugural programme.

With a call for transformation in agriculture through youth leadership, innovation, and climate resilience, the four-day Young Farmers Camp and Agrilympic (YFCA) Bangladesh 2025 kicked off at Gazipur Agricultural University on the day.

Organised by COAST Foundation with support from the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) and funded by IFAD and the EU, the event brought together over 150 young farmers and agri-entrepreneurs from more than 25 districts, said a release.

AFA Secretary General Ma. Estrella “Esther” Penunia said, “Youth is God’s gift to the future,” emphasising their role in addressing the climate crisis.

COAST Foundation Executive Director M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury stressed the importance of safe food and better market access controlled by agricultural cooperatives.

Md. Amirul Islam of AFA said his organisation has a youth engagement across 16 Asian and 27 Pacific countries, advocating youth influence in agriculture policymaking.

GAU's Dr Saiful Alam called for a shift from traditional to modern, business-driven farming.

Other speakers, including Mohsin Ali (WAVE Foundation), Ataur Rahman Miton (Hunger Free World), and Md. Sajjad Hossain (Padakkhep), called for youth entrepreneurship, banking access, and agricultural reform.

Dr. Harunur Rashid of SAARC Agriculture Centre stressed the importance of AI, drones, and technology-driven farming.

Md. Saiful Azam Khan, DG of the Agricultural Training Academy, concluded the event while putting emphasis on the climate challenges and the critical role of youth in building a sustainable food system.

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