Business Desk :
Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque on Saturday said that a cell will be formed to help new entrepreneurs with cultivation and marketing of agricultural goods to boost the sector for the country’s economic development.
“To promote and create more entrepreneurs in agriculture sector, we will make a cell soon. The members of the cell will help farmers from cultivation till marketing of agriculture goods,” the minister said while addressing a day-long conference, titled Bhorosar Notun Janala, at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) in the capital.
Bangladesh Safe Agro Food Efforts (BSAFE) Foundation organized the conference in association with United Commercial Bank Limited. Around 150 success farmers from 34 districts across the country who contributed in agriculture sector took part in the conference.
Razzaque said that the ministry will also set up a “modern lab” in Purbachal area soon so that agro goods can be exported to different counties of the globe with ease.
“The country’s warehouses for agriculture goods also need to be modernised as well,” he added.
Saying that agricultural work has now turned into a respected profession, the minister also added, “We want to make a happy and prosperous country through agriculture by modernising it.”
He also said Bangladesh significantly improved the agriculture sector thanks to government initiatives.
“Some 15 years ago, there was no food for many families during Bangla months of Ashin and Kartik. Now, there is no such crisis. Agriculture has huge potential in Bangladesh. Our scientists are also discovering new rice varieties.”
“Agriculture land is highest used in Bangladesh compared to other countries in the world,” he informed.
“We achieved MDG by 2015-16. Later, we set goals to ensure safe foods… I hope that we will succeed in this regard too. We undertook a Tk 3,000 crore project for agriculture in the country. We provide 50-70 per cent incentives for farmers to purchase modern machines too. Even we provided electricity across the country and developed infrastructure as well,” he also said.
The minister also said, “Such conference is very important for farmers and our economy. Farmers are playing significant role in the country’s economy. We and banks have responsibility to help farmers more. Besides, farmers should take their rights properly from us too.”
United Commercial Bank Limited Managing Director Mohammed Shawkat Jamil, Bangladesh Bank Agricultural Credit Department General Manager Md Abdul Hakim and Bangladesh Safe Agro Food Efforts (BSAFE) Foundation General Secretary Professor Rezaul Karim Siddique were present at the conference as special guest.
Anwar Faruque, former agriculture secretary and convener of the conference. presided over the function.
