Investment in agri research essential to ensure food security- Mirza Fakhrul

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said ensuring food security for the country's people remains a major challenge and stressed the need for more investment in agricultural research to achieve that goal.

He made the remarks while addressing an orientation program of the freshers at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) in the capital as the chief guest.

The minister said pursuing agricultural studies does not necessarily mean the graduates must seek government jobs.

"Instead of finding their own employment, the graduates should create job opportunities for others by launching businesses, industries and technology-based ventures linked to agriculture," he said.

He described the agricultural students as the 'fellows very close the country's soil' saying they should move beyond the traditional pursuit of government job, rather make stride to establish agro-based industries.

Urging the freshers to become entrepreneurs, he encouraged them to build careers through agro-based industries, agribusiness and innovative agricultural initiatives.

"The country's agriculture sector has enormous potentials. If young people come forward as entrepreneurs, they can generate employment while making a significant contribution to the national economy," he said.

Mirza Fakhrul alleged that the government is facing enormous challenges because of the country's economic foundations were severely weakened during the previous 15 years under the "fascist government."

"Institutional structures have also been damaged. The government is working to rebuild the country by overcoming these crises. Our primary objective is to reconstruct the fragile economy and social order," he said.

The minister said Bangladesh has around 40 million educated unemployed youths, with 500,000 to 600,000 applications being submitted for a single job in many cases.

"This problem cannot be solved overnight. We must restructure our system through proper planning and develop a skilled workforce capable to contribute to the economy. The government is now giving the highest priority to it," he added.

He said the students would face significant challenges in the future as the country continues its reconstruction efforts, while unemployment remains on the rise.

To address the issue, he said, the government is establishing agricultural hubs in both in the northern and southern regions of the country.

The minister also said some people have begun criticizing the government even before it has completed five months in office, despite the country facing multiple crises.

"There are serious shortages of gas, oil and energy. The US-Iran conflict has further intensified the global energy crisis," he said, adding that the government is working to promote green energy, which would ultimately benefit the farmers.

Speaking at the program, Prime Minister's Education Adviser Dr. Mahdi Amin said Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University has made significant contributions to increase agricultural production and advancing agricultural research in the country.

He hope that the newly admitted students would play an important role in building food-security and build a self-reliant Bangladesh.

SAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Md. Abdul Latif presided over the function while Anisur Rahman, MP, from Madaripur-3 constituency, reserved seat MP Sanjida Islam Tulsi were present among others.