Cumilla, Oct 3 (V7N) – Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today said the government will impart training to imams and muezzins to raise awareness on production of safe and chemical-free food and use of modern agricultural technologies.
"As imams and muezzins are connected with the mosques countrywide, they can play an important role in raising public awareness about agriculture and safe food production along with making themselves economically self-reliant," he said while addressing a conference organized by the Bangladesh Hafez Welfare Foundation at the Cumilla Town Hall ground.
The minister stressed reducing the excessive use of pesticides in agriculture to produce safe and chemical-free crops. Noting that in the past, farmers produced various crops without using chemical inputs, the minister said an environment-friendly agricultural system should be developed combining that traditional experience with modern technology.
Generally, agriculture officers regularly advise farmers on modern agricultural technologies and production methods, he said, adding that if imams and muezzins are also involved in this effort, awareness messages about safe food production can reach people more quickly.
Hafez Mawlana Md Tajul Islam presided over the conference, while Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Md Yusuf Molla also spoke at the event. Later, the minister handed over certificates and commemorative awards to students who passed the third Hifzul Quran Scholarship Examination.
The initiative to involve religious leaders in agricultural awareness campaigns is part of the government's broader efforts to promote safe food production and reduce the use of harmful pesticides. The Agriculture Ministry has been implementing various programmes to educate farmers on sustainable agricultural practices, including integrated pest management, organic farming, and the use of bio-pesticides. The involvement of imams and muezzins, who have direct contact with communities through mosques, is expected to amplify the reach of these awareness messages.
