Farmers need to be made aware of using urea fertiliser properly: Agriculture adviser

Farmers must be made aware of the proper use of urea fertiliser to prevent long-term damage to the land, Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said today (26 September).

"The use of urea fertiliser must be limited, and the excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides should be avoided," the adviser made the remarks as the chief guest at a view exchange meeting held at the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) in Dhaka.

Jahangir, also the home affairs adviser, further said, "Farmers deserve recognition for their key role in securing the country's food supply and driving agricultural success.

"However, they are not properly recognised for their contributions. This needs to change," he added.

He highlighted issues such as fertiliser and seed supply, irrigation systems, service delivery to marginal farmers, and prevention of irregularities and corruption.

Regarding agricultural production, the advisor said, "Farmers cultivate only those crops that benefit them. Misinformation about production costs harms farmers. They are deprived of fair prices.

"Accurate production costs need to be determined. Statistics must be accurate, which will benefit farmers."

He instructed BADC officials to ensure that fertilisers and seeds reach farmers on time.

Addressing BADC officers and employees, the adviser said, "There is a good working environment now. The country will not develop if we do not stay away from corruption."

Later, the adviser visited various departments of BADC.

Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Dr Nurun Nahar Chowdhury and BADC Chairman Abdullah Sajjad also were present at the meeting.