Rajshahi:Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid today announced the government's new plans to develop agriculture and irrigation systems in the Barind region, emphasizing the importance of ensuring fair prices for farmers' produce to bolster the country's economy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister stressed the need to strengthen agriculture to build a robust national economy and ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce. His remarks were made during an inspection of various development activities of the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) in Godagari Upazila of Rajshahi.
The minister's visit included inspecting water lifting and supply activities through pumps installed on a pontoon in the Padma River at the Hatpara area. He also visited the Sarmangla Canal, where he interacted with farmers and BMDA officials and participated in a tree plantation program.
Further, the minister inspected solar and electricity-powered irrigation pumps at Kalipur-3 in Godagari. Officials briefed him on the net metering system, which allows surplus solar electricity to be supplied to the national grid after meeting irrigation needs.
Minister Amin Ur Rashid praised the dedication of the Barind region's people to agriculture, describing them as agriculturists and farmer-friendly. He highlighted the government's priority to ensure fair prices for agricultural produce and addressed concerns about excessive groundwater extraction for irrigation, advocating for increased reliance on surface water.
The minister outlined the initiative to install approximately 17,000 deep tube wells equipped with solar-powered pumps under BMDA, following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's instructions. This initiative aims to expand the use of renewable energy in agriculture and efficiently utilize power by supplying surplus electricity to the national grid.
BMDA Executive Director Jahangir Alam Khan reported that 716 deep tube wells are operational in Godagari Upazila, with extensive re-excavation of canals, creeks, and ponds, as well as the construction of rural roads benefitting 76,345 farmers. The Sarmangla Canal, spanning approximately 29 kilometers, plans to expand irrigation to around 35,000 hectares of farmland.
Two pumps have been installed to lift water from the Padma River, and 45 solar panels have been set up under the Kalipur-3 solar irrigation project, currently irrigating 264 bighas of farmland and benefiting 74 farmers. The net metering system further facilitates supplying surplus electricity to the national grid.
The program was attended by BMDA Additional Chief Engineer Dr. Abul Kasem and other senior officials, including superintending and executive engineers, as well as representatives from the Department of Agricultural Extension, Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation, local farmers, and other concerned parties.