Strong farm economy key to stronger national economy: Minister
Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid stressed that Bangladesh's economy depends on its vibrant agricultural sector, noting that nearly 70 per cent of the population is engaged in agriculture.
He made the remarks while addressing a public gathering as the chief guest at the Haringdhara Primary School field, following an inspection of the Gomti River and the Jaintar canal in Moynamoti union, Burichang upazila.
He called on agriculture officials to act immediately to prevent the sale of fertiliser above the regulated price. He instructed them to use plain clothes if necessary, gather evidence—including videos—and obtain written undertakings from offenders.
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He stressed that safeguarding farmers' interests is a key government duty and warned that any actions that harm them would not be tolerated.
He noted that the government has fixed the procurement price of paddy based on per-maund production cost. Recognising farmers' hard work, he asserted that fair pricing is essential.
He stated that, as an outcome of the first phase of the pre-piloting programme, farmer cards have been distributed in 11 agricultural blocks across 11 upazilas in 10 districts. As a result, financial assistance of Tk2,500 each has been provided to marginal, poor, and small farmers, with plans to gradually extend this benefit nationwide.
He stressed that only genuine farmers, not middlemen, will receive direct services, such as access to harvesting machinery, from agricultural offices.
He stated that the farmer card programme was initiated under the direction of Prime Minister Tarek Rahman and reiterated the government's commitment to farmer welfare.
He observed that Bangladesh achieved food self-sufficiency through canal excavation during the tenure of former President Ziaur Rahman, facilitating rice exports. He further noted that during the tenure of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, measures including loan waivers and fertiliser subsidies were undertaken. He affirmed the government's ongoing commitment to advancing the agriculture sector.
He noted that syndicates still deny farmers fair prices, despite their hard work. He highlighted rising input prices, such as fertiliser, seeds, and pesticides, and declared that the government will act decisively against these groups.
At the event, he announced plans to construct a modern vegetable preservation facility at Nimsar vegetable market. He stated that this facility will enable farmers to store their produce and sell it at fair prices, thereby enriching local agriculture and improving farmers' incomes.
Md Jasim Uddin, Member of Parliament for Cumilla-5, delivered the main address to the gathering. Yusuf Molla Tipu, Administrator of Cumilla City Corporation, attended as a special guest.
ATM Mizanur Rahman, President of Burichang upazila BNP, chaired the programme, moderated by General Secretary Md Kabir Hossain. Attendees included Tanvir Hossain, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Burichang, Mahmuda Jahan, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Brahmanpara, and local administrative and political leaders.
