Agriculture Adviser Lt Gen Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd) today said the government has been working to properly evaluate the contribution of the agriculture sector as it has been playing a substantial role in the country’s advancement.
“The development of agriculture would not be possible without the improvement of the farmers. For this reason, the government has been working for the overall development of the agriculture sector,” he said after visiting the Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI) in Gazipur district.
The adviser said the total population of Bangladesh was only 7 crore during the War of Liberation in 1971, adding that the population has now increased to 17 crore, but the arable lands have decreased.
“Food is being produced for over 17 crore people in the limited lands. All have to keep in mind that the agriculture sector has been playing the most important role for the country’s development. The government has been working sincerely to evaluate the sector properly,” he added.
The adviser said fertilizer, seeds and cash had been distributed among the farmers in the flood-affected areas.
Replying to a question about market syndicate which is blamed for hikes in prices of the essential commodities, he said, “We have been trying to control the market. I think, the market would come to a tolerable position. The commerce ministry would break the syndicate, if any syndicate remains.”
Asked about any possible threat around the Durga Puja, Jahangir, also home affairs adviser said, “There is no such apprehension over the Durga Puja. This time, the Puja would be very fine. We need your help to this respect.”
Agriculture Secretary Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, BARI Director General (DG) Dr Md. Abdullah Yousuf Akhond, Gazipur district deputy commissioner Nafisa Arefin and police super Abul Kalam Azad, among others, were present.
During his visit to the BARI, the adviser also inspected Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), National Agriculture Training Academy (NATA) and Seed Certification Agency (SCA) and exchanged views with the officials of the institutions.
Later, Jahangir Alam visited the Sri Sri Kripamayee Kali Mandir at Joydebpur Bazar in the district.
