Joypurhat: State Minister for Public Administration and Food Md Abdul Bari today highlighted the severe impact of inadequate drainage systems on potato farmers in Joypurhat following recent unexpected rainfall. He stated that if the canals throughout the country had been properly maintained and functional, the farmers would have been spared from such significant losses.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the state minister made these remarks during the inauguration of the excavation work of the Kanamona-Harabati canal, a tributary of the river Harabati, at Matrai union under Kalai upazila. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure to support agricultural activities and prevent future losses.
Abdul Bari further emphasized the government’s dedication to enhancing the livelihoods of low-income groups through various welfare initiatives prioritized by the prime minister. These initiatives include the introduction of family cards, agriculture cards, and special allowances for imams and muezzins of religious institutions, all designed to offer direct economic support.
In a bid to keep the economy robust, the government is also taking steps to purchase 1.5 to 2 million tonnes of potatoes from local farmers or export any surplus production abroad. This move aims to stabilize the market and provide farmers with a reliable source of income.
Excavation of the nearly 5.75-kilometre Kanamona-Harabati canal in Matrai union is set to be conducted with assistance from the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and the Water Development Board, at an estimated cost of Taka 7.1 million, as reported by sources at the Joypurhat Water Development Board office.
The inauguration event was attended by notable figures including Joypurhat Deputy Commissioner Md Al Mamun Miah, Kalai Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shamim Ara, Kalai upazila BNP convener Ibrahim Hossain Fakir, joint convener Mowdud Alam, and Kalai municipal BNP general secretary Abdul Alim.