Dhaka:Agriculture and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid announced that the government will implement strict measures to regulate pesticide imports, marketing, and use to ensure safe and quality food for the population.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made these remarks during a seminar organized by the Bangladesh Society for Safe Food at Independent University, Bangladesh. He emphasized the necessity of effective pesticide regulation for safe food production, highlighting that many pesticides not used in other countries are being imported into Bangladesh.
The government plans to review existing policies and testing systems regarding pesticide imports to ensure effective control. Committees have already been formed to examine these policies. Effective decisions will be made following consultations with scientists, experts, importers, and other stakeholders.
Minister Rashid stressed that increasing food production is insufficient without ensuring food safety, nutritional value, and quality. He noted that the health risks associated with uncontrolled pesticide use pose a serious concern, as many farmers lack the necessary technical knowledge and training for proper pesticide application.
The government is working to raise awareness among farmers, provide training, and promote safe production practices. Additionally, initiatives are underway to develop agricultural entrepreneurs and establish farming as a profitable profession. The minister warned against the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, emphasizing the need for balanced application according to soil requirements.
He called for companies manufacturing pesticides and agricultural inputs to ensure product quality and compliance with regulations. In the poultry sector, the minister stressed the importance of effective monitoring to prevent the uncontrolled use of antibiotics in feed and to improve waste management.
Regarding agricultural exports, Rashid highlighted Bangladesh's potential to expand in international markets, noting efforts to improve the quality of promising agricultural products like jackfruit and pineapple. He emphasized that ensuring safe food requires collective efforts from farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, businesspeople, students, and consumers.
The seminar was chaired by Dr. Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, with attendance from Independent University, Bangladesh Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. M. Tamim, and Jamalpur Science and Technology University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Md. Amir Hossain, among others.