Dhaka: Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid today said enhancing the dignity of farmers is essential for transforming Bangladesh into a stronger and economically self-reliant nation. “Farmers are the primary strength of the country. Through agricultural development and by ensuring their dignity, Bangladesh will emerge as a more resilient and self-sufficient economy,” he said. The minister made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest at a prize-giving ceremony of an inter-departmental debate competition at Cumilla Victoria Government College auditorium this afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister highlighted the evolving social attitudes toward farming. “There was a time when people hesitated to identify as farmers. Now many proudly identify themselves as sons and daughters of farmers. This shift reflects the country’s steady progress,” he added.
Addressing issues related to farmers’ welfare, the minister referred to criticisms surrounding Farmer Cards and Family Cards, saying these initiatives were introduced to tackle long-standing challenges faced by farmers, particularly the lack of fair prices for their produce. “Farmers often suffer losses due to mismatches between production and market demand. The Farmer Card system will help identify regional demand for specific crops, enabling better planning and balanced production,” he said.
He expressed optimism that a technology-driven and well-coordinated agricultural system would strengthen food security and position Bangladesh more firmly on the global stage.