Sylhet:Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir announced the government's plan to transform Sylhet into a major hub for vegetable production and export. The minister highlighted this initiative during a ceremony at the Sylhet Sadar Upazila Auditorium, where subsidized agricultural machinery and free low-lift pumps were distributed.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government is focusing on modernizing agriculture, ensuring year-round vegetable production, expanding agricultural machinery use, and improving storage facilities to boost exports to international markets. The ceremony was organized by the Upazila Administration and the Department of Agricultural Extension under the Flood Reconstruction Emergency Assistance Project.
Muktadir emphasized the government's commitment to planned vegetable cultivation, enhanced irrigation, and reduced waterlogging, aiming to bring every cultivable plot in Sylhet Sadar upazila under continuous cultivation. Initiatives such as canal excavation are being taken to meet these objectives, with an emphasis on farmers making full use of the subsidized machinery.
Sylhet's potential for vegetable exports is significant, with opportunities to reach markets in the UK, Canada, the US, and Italy, among others. For this, the region requires proper production planning, consistent quality, improved packaging, and storage facilities. The government is taking steps to establish a packaging house and cold storage near Sylhet airport to support these efforts.
Muktadir also mentioned the identification of suitable areas for different vegetable types in various seasons, aiming for a coordinated production plan to ensure a year-round supply. This initiative is expected to expand export opportunities and bring visible changes to Sylhet's agriculture and overall development over the next five years.
The event was presided over by Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun, with several notable guests in attendance, including SUDA Chairman Rezaul Hasan Koyes Lodi and Sylhet Metropolitan BNP President Nasim Hossain. Additionally, the minister distributed water purification filters to government primary schools in the area.