The government has undertaken a series of initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural output, strengthening irrigation systems and ensuring market stability nationwide, said Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Saturday.
He made the remarks while addressing a programme as chief guest at the Sylhet Sadar Upazila Parishad auditorium, where agricultural incentives were distributed among nearly 3,000 farmers, according to a Commerce Ministry press release.
The minister underscored the importance of re-excavating canals and improving irrigation infrastructure to enhance crop production. He said several canals, including the Basia canal-stretching from the Surma River to parts of South Surma and Sunamganj-are being restored under the initiative.
He explained that re-excavation would help remove accumulated water, reduce waterlogging and ensure irrigation during dry periods. In areas prone to waterlogging due to geographical conditions, rapid drainage systems will also be developed.
“Improved irrigation facilities will enable farmers to grow an additional crop each year, contributing significantly to national food security,” Muktadir said.
The minister also announced that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to formally launch the ‘Farmer Card’ programme on 14 April.
The initiative aims to bring farmers under a centralised database, preserving their information to facilitate easier access to fertilisers, seeds, pesticides and agricultural loans.
He added that the system would also help authorities quickly communicate information on natural disasters and crop losses to farmers.
Muktadir further said the government plans to gradually map agricultural land across the country to identify the most suitable and profitable crops for each region, allowing farmers to make better-informed decisions.
Calling on farmers to make full use of limited cultivable land, he urged them to bring all arable land under cultivation. He noted that cultivating uniform crops in specific areas would help authorities provide support, control plant diseases and manage markets more efficiently.
Expressing optimism, the minister said the combined implementation of canal restoration, improved irrigation and agricultural incentives would bring about a significant transformation in the agricultural sector in Sylhet and beyond.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling its electoral promises, adding that infrastructure development projects in Sylhet-including roads, bridges and culverts-have already been incorporated into planning.
Under the incentive programme, each farmer received five kilograms of seeds, 10 kilograms of DAP fertiliser and 10 kilograms of MOP fertiliser.
The event was chaired by Sylhet Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khoshnur Rubaiyat. Among others present were Sylhet City BNP General Secretary Imdad Hossain Chowdhury, acting president Rezaul Hasan Qayes Lodi, Sylhet Sadar Upazila BNP president Abul Kasem, general secretary Azizur Rahman and Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Shawkat Jamil.
