Gazipur:President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasized the need for increased investment in agricultural research to boost production and improve facilities for agricultural scientists. He highlighted the importance of ensuring fair prices for paddy farmers during a view-exchange meeting at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the President noted the significant advancements in food production in Bangladesh since independence, attributing this success to agricultural scientists' development of high-yielding rice varieties. He stressed the necessity of continuing research and technological development to meet the demands of a growing population.
The President expressed concern over the challenges farmers face in receiving fair prices for their paddy, which can lead to a decline in interest in rice cultivation. He advocated for subsidies to encourage rice cultivation and called on the private sector to play a more active role in rice research, urging for increased private investment and adequate government funding.
He also underscored the need for improving the working conditions and benefits for agricultural scientists, labeling the denial of pension benefits as inhumane. The President called for appropriate pay structures and pension benefits to be ensured for scientists making significant contributions to society.
The event was attended by Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid, Gazipur-2 lawmaker Manjurul Karim Rony, and other high-ranking officials, who discussed BRRI's role in food security and future plans. The President also visited BRRI's facilities and inaugurated BARI's 56th founding anniversary program before being given a farewell Guard of Honour by the Bangladesh Police.