Prime Minister stresses on ‘zone map’ to increase farm production
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has stressed on research and preparation of region-based 'zone map' to increase food production, saying that considering the fertility of the soil and the environment, the crop should be cultivated where it is best produced.
She said, "We need to prepare a 'zone map' based on the area of the whole of Bangladesh considering the fertility of the soil and the environment, considering how we can produce more crops at a lower cost."
She called upon all concerned to consider whether extending the tenure of government service of the agri-scientists could bring them under special incentives.
She was speaking as the chief guest at the unveiling ceremony of the 100th Agricultural Technology Map for Sustainable Development and Prosperity in Agriculture on Thursday (February 4) morning marking the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation. She was virtually connected to the main event from Gonobhavan organized by the Ministry of Agriculture at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center.
Addressing the officials and scientists of the Ministry of Agriculture, Sheikh Hasina said, "We need to set up more laboratories to meet the standards of agricultural products in our country." There is also a need to build regional laboratories.
Noting that her government has given utmost importance to agriculture as the country's economy is dependent on it, the Prime Minister said increasing the purchasing power of the people of the country and creating and exporting markets at home and abroad should be at the core of product production.
The Prime Minister said, "We want to build agro-based industries and that is what we will do. I also want the cooperation of our researchers in this regard. "
She emphasized on the importance of extending the service tenure of researchers and said, "Research does not end in a day. There is a lot of research to be done. However, there is a fixed age for the government job, after which the job can no longer be done. But for the government employees involved in the research, I have said one thing over and over again, how can we motivate these researchers so that they can have the fruits of their research in their hands. '
The Prime Minister said once her government took the initiative for this, it was no longer possible as everyone associated with the research institute wanted to take this opportunity.
For example, she said, ‘No one is left out, starting from the office peon, the orderly, the doorman. This is not the case. This is the problem in our country. So how can this be done for those involved in research?
Sheikh Hasina said that there is no problem in raising the age limit in the universities. So, how can we give this incentive to the institutes? I want that advice from you because we want to give more opportunities to our agricultural researchers. '
The Prime Minister said, "I have a desire to have a government exchange of views with those of us who are engaged in research to discuss their problems." We have to create such an opportunity in the future. So that I can know how you can continue your research.
Fisheries and Animal Resources Minister SM Rezaul Karim addressed the function as a special guest.
Presided over by the Minister of Agriculture Dr. Abdur Razzak the Senior Secretary of the Ministry Mejbaul Islam delivered the welcome address. BARC's Executive Chairman Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Bakhtiyar also spoke. Successful farmer Rafiqul Islam also spoke expressing his personal feelings.
100 technologies selected from rice, jute, sugarcane tea, silk, cotton, forest resources and fisheries invented by the agricultural scientists of the country have been added in the map. In addition, there are several success stories in the application of technologies which can be a role model in agricultural development. For the convenience of the readers from home and abroad, Bengali as well as English has been kept in this atlas.
Published by BARC (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council) and invented by the concerned institutes, this '100 Agricultural Technology Atlas' is expected to play a pivotal role in modern agricultural development and improving the living standards of farmers.
# MS/0848 Hours/5/2/21