The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN has begun distributing agricultural inputs to farmers affected by Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh's coastal region. This distribution is part of the Emergency 2007 Cyclone Recovery and Restoration Project (ECRRP) funded by the World Bank. The distribution has reached beneficiaries in 13 southern Upazilas since it started on July 13. According to a statement from the FAO office in Dhaka, the team distributing the inputs is accompanied by government and FAO officials. FAO representative Ad Spijkers stated that farmers in the south require support with modern technologies to rebuild their livelihoods following the destruction caused by cyclones Sidr and Aila. The support for crops, fisheries, and livestock will continue for the next four years. Spijkers reiterated that despite being vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters, farm production can be increased by using stress-tolerant seeds and modern equipment such as power tillers and irrigation pumps. He also discussed the goals of the ECRRP project, which include promoting balanced fertilizer use, improving surface water irrigation, and providing training on modern technologies through Farmers Field Schools. Spijkers mentioned that the FAO has assisted 1.4 million farmers affected by Sidr and Aila by providing emergency support for crops, fisheries, and livestock. Additionally, 12 southern districts will benefit from EU funding in agriculture and fisheries. Spijkers highlighted the government of Bangladesh's efforts to promote sustainable food security in the southern delta region through investments and modern practices. He stressed the importance of having a detailed investment master plan that will effectively connect the agriculture and water sectors in the south to achieve sustainable development and restore the region's status as the nation's main source of food production. The FAO leader also promised to collaborate with the government and development partners to create this plan.