Rajshahi:Agriculture and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid announced the government's plan to make the nation self-sufficient in agricultural products by reducing import reliance and transforming agriculture into an export-oriented sector.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister expressed these intentions during a meeting with farmers and officials while visiting various agricultural sites, including mango and litchi orchards, and ginger, green chili, and tomato cultivation areas in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj.
The minister emphasized the importance of ensuring fair prices for farmers' produce and highlighted that reducing dependence on imported agricultural products is a key government priority. He noted the significant progress made in rice and vegetable cultivation alongside mango production in the region.
To further reduce import dependence, the minister mentioned plans to expand ginger cultivation on unused land between mango trees, as the country imports approximately 1.5 lakh tonnes of ginger annually. Agriculture officials have been instructed to assess soil suitability for this purpose.
Additionally, the government is considering using river water for irrigation to alleviate pressure on groundwater. A major project proposal has been approved and is moving forward in this regard. The possibility of establishing cold storage facilities in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj to extend mango preservation and stabilize prices during the harvesting season is also being explored.
The minister highlighted achievements in self-sufficiency in onion production and noted that increasing the production of ginger, garlic, and rainy-season tomatoes is a government focus. Plans are in place to expand rainy-season tomato cultivation from the next season.
During his visit, the minister also inaugurated the Aman paddy harvesting program in Chapainawabganj, where senior officials, BMDA representatives, and farmers were in attendance.