14th International Agri-Tech Fair Opens in Dhaka

The 14th International Agricultural Technology Fair 2026 has opened in Dhaka, bringing together around 250 organisations from 12 countries to showcase technologies and innovations aimed at modernising agriculture, improving productivity and strengthening food security. The three-day event features 53 stalls displaying agricultural machinery, food-processing technologies, storage solutions and other innovations.

State Minister for Local Government Mir Shah Alam inaugurated the fair on Thursday morning, 5 November, at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB). The exhibition will continue until 7 November 2026.

The fair is jointly organised by the Rural Development Academy (RDA), Bogura, under the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division, and Limra Trade Fairs and Exhibitions.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony as chief guest, Mir Shah Alam emphasised the overall development of the agricultural sector, modernisation and the effective application of technology. He highlighted the need to expand the use of modern technologies and machinery in agricultural production to increase productivity, reduce production costs and improve farmers’ living standards.

The state minister said the government was working to recognise farmers’ expertise, increase researchers’ salaries and benefits, and enhance their social standing. He added that, under the Prime Minister’s special directive, around 250 agricultural organisations from 12 countries were participating in this year’s fair, presenting technologies and innovations across 53 stalls. He said the initiative would help strengthen the country’s agricultural economy.

Highlighting improvements in water-use efficiency, the minister said institutions such as the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority and RDA had made it possible to save 40 per cent of water through underground pipeline-based irrigation. He also stressed the importance of proper fertiliser use, preventing excessive application and increasing the use of organic fertilisers.

On efforts to address gas and electricity shortages, Mir Shah Alam said the government had decided to drill 52 new wells to overcome the supply gap created by the absence of new well drilling over the past 20 years. He also said encouraging news had emerged about new gas discoveries from the Bhola, Noakhali and Titas gas fields.

The state minister called for establishing factories to produce starch powder from surplus potatoes in the northern region, saying this could help save foreign currency. He added that the government planned to turn Bogura Airport into an international airport with cargo facilities to support exports of potatoes and vegetables from the northern region.

Special guest Abdul Majid Pramanik, director general of RDA, emphasised the development of technology-driven agricultural systems, agricultural mechanisation and wider adoption of innovative technologies to address the sector’s diverse challenges. He also highlighted the need for stronger coordination among agricultural research, education, technology innovation and industry.

In her concluding remarks, Dr Rafiqul E Mohamed, secretary of the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division, highlighted the importance of international exhibitions in expanding agricultural technology, applying research-based knowledge at the field level and promoting sustainable agricultural development through public-private partnerships.

//DBTech/BUPR/SMP/MVNO//