Agriculture adviser calls for damage assessment, rehabilitation in flood-affected areas

Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has urgently called for a rapid assessment of agricultural damage in flood-affected regions and for the implementation of necessary support and rehabilitation measures.

Addressing a meeting with senior officials at the Ministry of Agriculture in the Secretariat today (24 August), the adviser stressed the importance of evaluating the actual damage to crops, particularly Aman rice and other essential crops, as soon as the floodwaters recede.

He emphasised that ensuring Aman rice production according to targets is a top priority. If that is not feasible, efforts should focus on increasing the production of vegetables and other suitable crops.

He directed that all arable land must be brought under cultivation to maximize agricultural output. He also instructed the relevant officials to ensure the supply of seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs, prepare seedbeds, and finalize preparations for rehabilitation.

During the meeting, Agriculture Secretary Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Miyan announced that all Ministry of Agriculture employees will contribute an amount equivalent to one day's salary to the Chief Advisor's Relief Fund. The Agriculture Advisor praised this gesture and encouraged everyone to contribute according to their ability during this crisis.

Several key decisions were made, including prioritizing the preparation of Aman rice seedbeds on elevated lands, continuing the Agricultural Extension Directorate's data collection, and coordinating with various institutions for seed supplies and rehabilitation programs. Field-level agricultural officials were urged to actively engage in post-flood rehabilitation efforts, and block and upazila-based rehabilitation plans were recommended.

The additional secretary (Extension Division) of the ministry will coordinate the overall rehabilitation activities.