Agriculture minister calls for curbing excessive pesticide use

Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said today that excessive pesticide use is exposing farmers to serious health risks and physical complications, including cancer.

The minister, also chairman of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), made the remarks at the council's sixth meeting in its conference room, according to a press release.

He said the council would take steps to raise awareness among farmers and provide training to reduce pesticide use.

Amin said proper use of natural or organic fertilisers would help protect soil, the environment, water and fish.

Noting that Bangladesh is almost self-sufficient in meat production, he said research and related activities must expand to further increase output.

He added that if production increases, Bangladesh could export meat and meat products worth billions of dollars in the future.

The minister said the government is rewarding those making significant contributions to freshwater fish production and is also taking various measures, including establishing sanctuaries, to conserve naturally sourced fish and increase production.

Expressing concern over the rising presence of heavy metals in soil, Amin called for research to determine whether groundwater, fertilisers or pesticides are responsible.

He also identified soil acidity as a concern, noting that pH levels in many areas currently range from 4.5 to 5, whereas levels above 6.5 are required for good crop production.

"Raising the soil pH above 6.5 could increase crop yields and further ensure safe food production," he said, adding that the Ministry of Agriculture is working on the issue.

The minister stressed the need for regular follow-up on decisions taken at the meeting to assess their implementation.

He said researchers' talent and knowledge must be used to formulate national policies, adding that the government wants to make the best possible use of research findings.

Amin also called for greater promotion of the "Khamari" mobile app, which provides farmers and other beneficiaries with crop production services and advice.

He urged the relevant authorities to expand the app's use so that farmers can easily access the necessary guidance.

At the meeting, the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister and Governing Body Co-Chairman, Abdul Awal Mintu, said that various government institutions are conducting commendable research.

He praised their contributions to developing new varieties and increasing agricultural, fisheries, and livestock production in the country.

Private research institutions are also producing various innovations, he said, stressing the need to consider how those innovations could serve the national interest.

Narayanganj-5 MP Abul Kalam, Reserved Women's Seat-302 MP Shirin Sultana, Planning Commission Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Institutions Division Member (Secretary) Md Mahmudul Hossain Khan, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Selim Khan, Md Delwar Hossain, Bangladesh Agricultural University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr AK Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, and the director general of the Department of Agricultural Extension were invited to the meeting.

Also present were the director general of the Department of Livestock, chairman of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council, directors general of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Bangladesh Sugarcrop Research Institute, Bangladesh Atomic Research Institute, and Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, the chief conservator of forests, the director of the Department of Fisheries, and teachers and researchers from various universities.