Dhaka: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Agriculture has raised concerns about the widespread use of pesticides on soil and crops throughout the country. During a meeting held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, the committee emphasized the importance of transitioning from conventional fertilisers and pesticides towards organic alternatives to preserve soil quality.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the committee's inaugural meeting was chaired by Md Shahadat Hossain and attended by Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid. The minister expressed his intention to decrease the country's reliance on imports of agricultural products like ginger, chillies, tomatoes, and onions by boosting domestic production and steering the sector towards export readiness.
The Ministry of Agriculture reported that this year, an increased amount of fertiliser has been distributed to farmers compared to previous years. Efforts to enhance transparency in the appointment of fertiliser dealers have been made, with the issuance of the Fertiliser Dealer Appointment and Fertiliser Distribution Guidelines 2026.
Discussions during the meeting also focused on improving the monitoring system for fertiliser distribution, ensuring farmer-friendly fertiliser management, and establishing research centres for flowers and soil at Godkhali in Jashore. Additional topics included the potential for cotton production on unused lands, cultivation of various crops on char lands, and the use of solar power in agriculture.
Committee Chairman Shahadat Hossain highlighted the crucial role of the Ministry of Agriculture in the government's achievements. He urged cooperative efforts to build a sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural system, thereby enhancing the government's reputation.
The meeting was attended by committee members Md Shohidul Islam, Md Mostafizur Rahman, Md Rokon Uddin Babul, Md Mujibur Rahman Choudhury, Sabira Sultana, Md Golam Rasul, and Md Abdul Bari Sarder, alongside the agriculture secretary and heads of the ministry's subordinate departments and agencies.