CHATTOGRAM, July 4, (V7N) — Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today said ensuring fair prices for farmers’ goods is one of the government’s top priorities.
“The interest of the farmers will be protected after bringing the production, incentives, subsidies and marketing system under a combined structure through the farmers cards,” he said.
The minister made the remarks as chief guest at a view-exchange meeting with subordinate departments and organizations of the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Department of Livestock Services (DLS) and the Agriculture Ministry at Chattogram Circuit House. The meeting was held with support from the Chattogram divisional and district administrations.
The government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as well as the people of the country believe that the country’s economy will be strengthened if farmers become financially self-reliant, the minister said.
To achieve that goal, he said, the government is implementing a series of programmes to increase production, build an effective marketing system, and ensure farmers’ income by bringing agriculture, fisheries and livestock under modern, planned and technology-based management.
He told officials that policies, action plans and instructions announced by the government must be implemented properly. Concerned officials will face accountability if they fail to keep pace with the government.
“There is no alternative to responsibility, sincerity, and professional competence in executing the directives of the head of the government,” the minister said.
To strengthen the agriculture and rural economy, Rashid said various development programmes have been taken as part of implementing the 31-point pledges to the people announced by the BNP before the national election.
As part of these programmes, farm credit up to Tk 10,000 has been exempted and the money has been paid to the banks concerned on behalf of the government.
To reduce dependency on groundwater, the minister said the government has emphasized canal re-excavation for a sustainable water management system. The government is also prioritizing the use of surface water for agriculture during the dry season.
The farmers card programme has been initiated to develop a combined digital database of farmers across the country. After successful implementation of the pilot project, all marginal, small and other farmers will be brought under the card in phases.
Identifying real farmers, direct distribution of government incentives and subsidies, production planning, and market management of farm products would become more effective and transparent through this card, the minister said.
The agriculture minister said the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors would be made more effective by making the best use of Bangladesh’s fertile soil, favorable climate, and abundant natural resources.
The government is implementing farmer-friendly policies and programmes guided by the vision that the prosperity of farmers is the foundation of the nation’s prosperity.
State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary M Delwar Hossen, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr M Khaled Kanak, Chattogram Local Government Division Director Monwara Begum, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia and other concerned officials attended the meeting.
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