Dhaka: Parliamentary standing committee on agriculture today called for measures to reduce import dependence on agro-based products with minister concerned Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid saying the sector should rather be turned into an export-oriented one by promoting farmers and increased yield. 'If agriculture moves forward, the country will move forward; if farmers become stronger, the country will become stronger,' a parliament secretariat statement quoted Agriculture Minister Rashid as telling the first meeting of the committee of the current parliament at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, he expressed optimism about achieving self-sufficiency particularly in production of ginger, chilli, tomato, onion alongside some other agro-based products reducing import dependence and eventually making them export-oriented. Committee's chairman Md. Shahadat Hossain MP presided over the meeting, which expressed concern over indiscriminate pesticide uses seeking reduced dependence on fertilisers and pesticides and promoting organic fertilisers to preserve soil quality.
Rashid told the meeting that the incumbent government took initiatives for the first time to maintain soil quality. Officials concerned informed the committee that the government this year ensured fertiliser supplies to farmers more than quantum distributed in previous years. The minister said efforts had been made to bring greater transparency to the appointment of fertiliser dealers issuing 'Fertiliser Dealer Appointment and Fertiliser Distribution Policy-2026'.
The meeting discussed strengthening monitoring of the fertiliser distribution system and ensuring farmer-friendly fertiliser management. The committee reviewed a proposal to establish a flower research centre and a soil research centre at Gadkhali in Jashore, expanding cotton cultivation in abandoned areas in both hilly and plain regions, and cultivating maize, sweet potato and peanuts on char lands.
The participants also discussed using solar power in agriculture, sending farmers abroad for advanced training when necessary, ensuring fair prices for jute at the farmers' level and increasing exports of jute and jute products. The committee chairman said many of the government's successes would depend on the activities of the Agriculture Ministry expecting the ministry to work with more dynamism.
He called upon all concerned to work together to build a sustainable and environment-friendly agricultural system and enhance the government's image. Rashid attended the meeting at the request of the committee chairman while it was joined by committee members Md. Shahidul Islam, Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Md. Rokon Uddin Bablu, Md. Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, Sabira Sultana, Md. Golam Rasul and Md. Abdul Bari Sardar. The agriculture secretary, heads of departments and agencies under the ministry, senior officials concerned including those of Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were present.