Dinajpur: Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today inaugurated the harvesting of boro paddy at Mokhlespur village in Biral upazila here. He initiated the harvest of BRRIdhan-88 at the field of local farmer Md Amij Uddin.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser highlighted past population numbers, stating, “Once, around seven crore people lived in this country . . . Today that number has risen to nearly 18 crore, but the amount of arable land has shrunk significantly.” He emphasized the farmers’ achievements in doubling their yields through their efforts and innovations introduced by the agriculture department, noting their crucial role in ensuring food security.
Jahangir, who also serves as the home adviser, mentioned the government’s inclusive support to farmers aimed at boosting crop production. This support has enabled farmers to contribute significantly to the increased production of rice and other crops. He also instructed the Chairman of the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority to maintain water tariff bills for farmers at a tolerable level.
Addressing a query, Jahangir assured that there are no issues along the country’s frontiers. He confirmed that farmers can continue their agricultural activities, including harvesting, without any disruption in the border areas, and security measures along the borders have been further strengthened.
The event was attended by Agriculture Secretary Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Director Md Mashiur Rahman, Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam, DIG of Rangpur Range Md Aminul Islam, Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner Md Rafiqul Islam, Superintendent of Police Md Maruf Hossain, and DAE Dinajpur District Deputy Director Md Afzal Hossain, among others.
Farmer Md Amij Uddin, 72, expressed satisfaction with the yield, stating he cultivated the improved paddy variety BRRIdhan-88 on two acres of land, and the yield has been excellent this season. Later, the adviser attended a law and order meeting at the conference room of the district administration.