8th 5-year plan: commercialisation, diversification in agriculture stressed

Speakers at a virtual discussion on Sunday emphasised on commercialisation, mechanisation, and diversification in agriculture while implementing the 8th 5-year plan of the government.

The meeting, titled "Eighth Five-Year Plan (2021-2025): Agriculture, Forests, Water Resources, Safe Food and Nutrition Security," was organised by Bangladesh Agricultural Economists Association (BAEA).

BAEA President Sajjadul Hasan chaired the discussion. The event was also attended by Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzak as the chief guest and State Minister for ICT Affairs Junaid Ahmed Palak as the special guest.

Member of the General Economics Department of the Planning Commission (Senior Secretary) Professor Shamsul Alam presented the key-note at the programme.

In his presentation, he outlined possible solutions to the key challenges facing the agricultural sector in the future. He also highlighted the need for safe food and nutritious food security to meet the future needs.

The agriculture minister said Bangladesh will get developing country status by 2024. Front line researches have to be further enhanced by building skilled human resources.

Junaid Ahmed Palak said ICT is not only being used in agriculture today, it is being used well in all fields including education, trade, judiciary etc. Advanced research is being done on the 4th Industrial Revolution to build a beautiful Bangladesh with everyone.

The meeting was attended by eminent agro-economists from home and abroad, secretaries of different ministries, vice-chancellors of different universities, senior teachers of different agricultural universities, heads of different government departments, eminent professors and scientific officers.

Secretary General of the Association, Prof Dr Mohammad Mizanul Haque Kajal delivered the welcome speech at the discussion while Senior Vice President Shubhankar Saha gave thanks.