Rangpur: State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad has announced that a large number of farmers stand to gain from the government’s canal excavation initiative. The program aims to excavate and re-excavate approximately 20,000 kilometers of rivers and canals throughout the nation, with the goal of reviving dead and extinct water bodies.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the State Minister made these remarks at the inauguration ceremony of the Ramakanta Canal excavation in Gangachara upazila of Rangpur. The event, which took place this afternoon, was presided over by Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam.
The State Minister highlighted that the canal excavation and re-excavation efforts are expected to enhance the availability of conserved surface water during the dry season, thereby protecting a significant amount of crops from potential damage. He emphasized the importance of the Ramakanta Canal, noting its jurisdiction under the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), and underscored the collaborative effort to launch its re-excavation.
The initiative also includes plans to plant trees along both sides of the canal, aligning with the broader goal of planting 250 million trees over five years. This effort aims to establish a green belt and maintain environmental balance. Additionally, the program is anticipated to create new income opportunities for local residents through fish farming and increased employment in canal excavation activities.
Farhad Hossain Azad expressed confidence that these initiatives will contribute to developing a self-reliant and food-rich Bangladesh. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting farmers, as outlined in the election manifesto. To date, the government has settled agricultural loans for approximately 1.2 million farmers and distributed about 28,000 family cards across 15 upazilas as part of a pilot financial assistance program.
The State Minister called for collective support to ensure the successful implementation of these government programs. The ceremony was attended by Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammd Enamul Ahsan, Rangpur City Corporation Administrator Advocate Mahfuz Un Nabi Chowdhury Don, Gangachara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mst Jasmine Akhter, along with government officials, community members, and journalists.