Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid on Saturday underscored the need to ensure farmers’ financial solvency to strengthen the country’s economy.
He said around 70 per cent of the population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture for their livelihoods, adding that improving farmers’ economic conditions would make the national economy more robust and stable.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a community gathering at Harindhara Government Primary School in Moynamoti union of Burichang upazila as chief guest, after inspecting the Gomti River and Jatua canal.
Issuing directives to field-level agricultural officials, he warned that immediate action would be taken against any allegations of fertiliser overpricing. Officials may collect evidence in plain clothes, record videos and take legal action against those involved, he said, adding that no irregularities in market management would be tolerated.
Highlighting the protection of farmers’ interests as a top priority, he said the government is committed to ensuring their fair rights.
He stressed the proper implementation of government-fixed rice procurement prices based on production costs, noting that without fair returns for farmers’ labour, the agricultural sector cannot be sustained in the long run.
The minister said the “Krishak Card” programme has been launched on a pilot basis in 11 upazilas across 10 districts, under which marginal, small and poor farmers are receiving financial assistance of Tk 2,500 each. He added that the initiative would be gradually expanded nationwide.
He also said steps are being taken to provide farmers with direct services from agricultural offices, including harvesting machines, to reduce reliance on middlemen.
The minister noted that past initiatives in the sector have played a vital role in ensuring food security and said the current government would continue efforts for farmers’ welfare and take further measures to advance the sector.
He added that the government has adopted a tough stance against market syndicates to ensure fair prices for agricultural products and instructed authorities to strengthen monitoring to prevent unjustified price hikes in fertilisers, seeds and pesticides.
At the event, he announced the construction of a modern storage facility at Nimsar vegetable market, enabling farmers to store produce and sell at more favourable times, thereby boosting the local agricultural economy.
Member of Parliament from Cumilla-5 Md Jasim Uddin spoke as the main speaker. The programme was chaired by ATM Mizanur Rahman, President of Burichang upazila BNP, and moderated by its General Secretary Md Kabir Hossain. Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Yusuf Molla Tipu attended as a special guest. Officials of the local administration, along with political and social leaders, were also present.
