AgriTech Advancement: Call for Coordinated Mechanization and Irrigation Strategy
State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam has called for a coordinated initiative to prevent wastage of agricultural resources and to establish a modern, technology-driven agricultural system.
He made the remarks on Thursday, May 14, while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Agricultural Mechanization & Irrigation in Bangladesh: Opportunities & Constraints”, held at the seminar hall of Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in Ramna, Dhaka. The event was organized by the Agricultural Engineering Division of the Institution.
The state minister said that agriculture plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, food security, and the improvement of rural livelihoods. He stressed the need to identify existing challenges and opportunities in the sector and to move forward in a planned manner. Highlighting various initiatives of the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division, he noted that the division has a significant role in strengthening the rural economy and generating agriculture-based employment.
He also emphasized the necessity of establishing a dedicated agricultural engineering department for the sector. Mir Shahe Alam pointed out that specialized engineering departments in sectors such as health, education, and local government are functioning successfully. Similarly, forming a specialized agricultural engineering department would enhance agricultural infrastructure development, promote the use of modern technologies, and improve service delivery at the field level.
Special guests at the seminar included Agriculture Secretary Dr. Rafiqul I Mohamed; IEB General Secretary Prof. Dr. Engr. Md. Sabbir Mostafa Khan; Convener of Engineers Association of Bangladesh Engineers Association of Bangladesh Engineer Shahreen Islam Tuhin; IEB Vice President Khan Manjur Morshed; and Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension Agriculturist Md. Abdur Rahim.
The keynote paper was presented by Prof. Dr. Engr. Mohammad Ashik-e-Rabbani of Bangladesh Agricultural University.
Chaired by Engineer Golam Mawla, the seminar brought together teachers, researchers, and policymakers. Speakers emphasized that integrated efforts are essential to promote agricultural modernization, sustainable water management, and technology-based production systems.
It was expressed that implementing the recommendations presented at the seminar would help transform the country’s agricultural sector into a more modern, efficient, and internationally competitive one.
DBTech/AIF/EK/OR
