Gazipur:President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized the need to transform Bangladesh's agriculture into a profitable and revenue-generating sector during a meeting at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the President highlighted the challenges faced by farmers who are leaving the profession due to insufficient income from farming. He called for expanding technologies for preserving and processing agricultural products, increasing incentives for farmers, and ensuring better facilities for agricultural researchers.
President Alamgir pointed out the issue of farmers being deprived of fair prices despite increased agricultural production, due to inadequate preservation and processing facilities. He stressed the importance of improving preservation technologies and involving the private sector in the process. The President noted that farmers in the northern region, particularly potato producers, often fail to get fair prices, leading to wastage and price fluctuations.
He urged authorities to extend cold storage facilities suitable for preserving various vegetables and fruits, along with adopting modern technologies. Additionally, he emphasized the need for progress in marketing agricultural products through accessible marketing, processing, and preservation technologies for the private sector.
The President praised researchers for their success in onion production while expressing concern over the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, which damages soil and crop quality. He advocated for raising awareness among farmers and ensuring the use of sustainable agricultural technologies.
Emphasizing better facilities for agricultural researchers, President Alamgir warned that inadequate support could deter talented students from entering the profession. He urged the Agriculture Minister to consider amending pension-related regulations for agricultural scientists.
He also recalled the contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to agricultural development and paid tribute to those who sacrificed during the country's Great War of Liberation in 1971. The President wished a speedy recovery to those injured in movements for democracy and against fascism.
The event was attended by Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid, other notable lawmakers, and administrative officials. Upon his arrival, President Alamgir was accorded a guard of honor by the Bangladesh Police and later visited BARI's gene bank and various stalls, planting a tree of the BARI Kathal-6 variety.