Rajshahi:Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid emphasized the importance of promoting organic fertilizers, such as vermicompost, to protect soil health and ensure the judicious use of approved pesticides. He also highlighted the need for transparency in fertilizer distribution during a meeting in Rajshahi.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Minister called for the cultivation of new crops alongside conventional ones to diversify and increase farmers' incomes. He stressed that planned production and effective marketing systems are essential to guarantee fair prices and protect farmers from financial losses.
During the meeting, Minister Amin Ur Rashid assured that genuine farmers would be enlisted to receive necessary government incentives, including seeds, fertilizers, and sacks. He engaged with mango, litchi, ginger, green chilli, and tomato farmers and agri-entrepreneurs, outlining a government roadmap for agricultural modernization, fair pricing, and export expansion.
A key focus of the discussion was on expanding ginger cultivation using modern methods in vacant spaces between mango orchards. The Minister also mentioned experimental efforts to extend the shelf life of Rajshahi's traditional mangoes, with the potential to increase their longevity to 90 days with foreign technology.
The meeting, presided over by Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Kazi Mohammad Saiful Islam, was attended by Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension Abdur Rahim, Executive Director of the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority Jahangir Alam Khan, Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam, as well as farmers and senior agriculture department officials from various districts.