Improve farmer’s economic condition to strengthen economy: Minister
Nearly 70 per cent of the country’s people are involved in agriculture. “If farmers’ economic condition improves, the national economy will become sustainable and strong”, Minister of Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Mohammad Aminur Rashid said that at a public gathering held at Harindhara Primary on Saturday.
Addressing agricultural officials, the minister said that immediate action must be taken if fertiliser is sold at higher prices anywhere in the market.
If necessary, officials should operate in plain clothes to collect evidence, record videos, and take legal action, including written undertakings from offenders.
Emphasising that protecting farmers’ interests is the government’s top priority, he said no anti-farmer activities will be tolerated.
He added that the government has fixed a procurement price for paddy, taking into account farmers’ production costs. Since farmers work hard to produce crops, ensuring fair prices is essential.
He also noted that under a pre-piloting initiative, farmer cards have been distributed in 11 agricultural blocks across 11 upazilas in 10 districts. Marginal, poor, and small farmers have received financial assistance of 2,500 taka each, and this benefit will gradually be extended nationwide.
Farmers will directly receive services, including harvesting machines, from agricultural offices without middlemen.
The minister said the farmer card program was introduced under the initiative of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and the government remains committed to farmers’ welfare. He recalled that during the tenure of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, canal excavation helped Bangladesh achieve food self-sufficiency and even enabled rice exports.
He also mentioned that during former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s tenure, significant steps like agricultural loan waivers and fertilizer subsidies were implemented. The BNP government is committed to taking all necessary measures to further develop the agricultural sector.
The minister added that despite farmers’ hard work, they are often deprived of fair prices due to syndicates, while the cost of agricultural inputs like fertilizer, seeds, and pesticides remains high. The government will take strict action against such syndicates.
He also announced the construction of a modern vegetable storage facility at Nimsar vegetable market, which will help farmers store produce and sell at fair prices, strengthening local agriculture.
At the event, Md. Jasim Uddin (Cumilla-5: Burichong-Brahmanpara), MP spoke as the chief speaker. The program was chaired by Burichong Upazila BNP President ATM Mizanur Rahman and moderated by General Secretary Md. Kabir Hossain.
Special guest Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Yusuf Molla Tipu, Burichong Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tanvir Hossain, Brahmanpara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahamuda Jahan, along with local administration officials and political leaders, were present.
