Government Commits to Agricultural Growth, Food Safety, and Farmer Welfare
The new government has begun work focusing on three key priorities: increasing agricultural production, ensuring safe food, and securing fair prices for farmers, Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Haji Amin Ur Rashid Yasin has announced.
The minister highlighted that rising levels of heavy metals in agricultural soil are reducing soil fertility, posing a long-term threat to food security. To address this issue, scientific research and integrated planning will be undertaken.
On Friday, 20 February, at a meeting organized by the Comilla District Administration with officials from agriculture, food, and fisheries-related departments at the Comilla Circuit House, Minister Haji Amin Ur Rashid Yasin outlined these plans. He emphasized soil testing, environmentally friendly farming practices, and increasing organic production to establish a sustainable agricultural system.
Regarding safe food and the livestock sector, the minister noted that fisheries and livestock play a vital role in meeting the country’s nutritional needs and supporting economic growth. To enhance productivity, disease control, quality food production, and export potential, all stakeholders are urged to work diligently and collaboratively.
Minister Haji Amin Ur Rashid Yasin emphasized that nearly 70 percent of the population is engaged in agriculture. Without sustainable development in this sector, the national economy cannot be strengthened. Ensuring the welfare of farmers and marginal communities remains a government priority, and active cooperation from field-level officers is critical to achieving this goal.
He further stated that agricultural departments have been provided the opportunity to work under a coordinated framework. Drawing on his personal experience of over three decades in agriculture, he urged field-level officials to perform their duties responsibly and sincerely, noting, “The more seriously you carry out your responsibilities, the faster the country will progress.”
The meeting, chaired by District Commissioner Mu. Reza Hasan, was attended by Police Superintendent Asaduzzaman, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Md. Abdur Rauf, Director General of the Department of Livestock Dr. Abu Sufian, Director of Livestock Shamsul Alam, Director of Chattogram Regional Food Control Office S. M. Kaiser Ali, along with officials from departmental, district, and upazila levels.
During the exchange, participants discussed ongoing programs in agriculture, food, fisheries, and livestock sectors, service quality improvements, and challenges at the field level. They also identified various issues and opportunities and provided necessary guidance for solutions.
DBTech/DPAE/MUM/OR
