Sustainable agro management
Rice prices keep going up on the local market, making it even more difficult for middle class people, let alone the poor. Rice prices have increased by Tk 300 per 50 kg bag. The government recently stopped rice imports to pay farmers fairly. Wholesalers took advantage of the situation and raised prices. Low-income people will have to cut back on how much food they buy at this time of year because staple foods are going up in price.
The government cut the import tariff on rice to 10pc because rice prices were increasing. Due to a lack of a competitive import process, rice was not brought into the country in the amount said to be imported. Rice prices kept going up, even though the tariff benefits helped them. People still haven’t been able to buy rice at a steady price even after the country started importing it.
Rice imports from other countries should not keep going indefinitely to make up for the lack of production. Farmers and consumers should be protected by helping them grow high-yielding rice and can withstand changes in the climate. This can be done by setting up and maintaining good market connections. Improved nutritional diversity could also lead to more crop diversification and less reliance on a single crop.
It’s time to talk about issues that aren’t just about farming, like how to use information technology in agriculture, train farmers and agriculture officers, and make sure farmers get fair prices for their produce.
Bipro Debnath
Student, North South University
A note of compassion to The New Nation
I am feeling very sad learning that New Nation Editor A. M. Mufazzal has expired. He was a person of great intellect and left behind an adorable legacy.
May he find eternal peace and his family strength to bear the loss.
Nur Jahan
Chattogram
