Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir announced on Friday that the government will undertake research activities to find modern and cost-effective solutions for the preservation of litchis.
The minister emphasised that there is no alternative to innovating “home solutions” that are compatible with the country’s realities to prevent the wastage of agricultural products.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at inauguration ceremony of “Litchi Festival and Agriculture Trade Fair 2026”, organised at Mirkamari Adarsha High School ground in Ishwardi, Pabna.
“The farmers of Bangladesh have the capability to ensure country’s food security by facing any challenge,” the commerce minister said, noting deep-rooted relationship between local population and agriculture.
He further remarked on love for farming he observed even among young children.
Drawing a comparison with onion preservation, the minister noted that while onions could not be stored for long periods in past, they can now be kept for several months using low-cost blowers and exhaust fans.
Muktadir urged for development of similar indigenous technology-based, low-cost storage systems for litchis, potatoes, and other agricultural goods.
Addressing Ministry of Agriculture, Muktadir called for an investigation into the causes of litchi rot and yield damage.
He suggested that the issues might stem from hot weather or defects in pesticides, asserting, “Effective solutions must be found so that not even a single litchi is wasted”.
Regarding the country’s agricultural progress, Muktadir said Bangladesh currently produces nearly four crore tonnes of rice annually and is moving towards self-sufficiency in onion production.
He estimated that if agricultural productivity could be increased by another 10 per cent, many farm products could be exported abroad.
The event featured Farzana Sharmin, state minister for Social Welfare, as a special guest. Other speakers included Arifa Sultana Ruma, member of Parliament for the reserved women’s seat; Habibur Rahman Habib, convener of District BNP; Aminul Islam, deputy commissioner of Pabna; and Siddiqur Rahman Moyez, president of Bangladesh Krishok Samity.
Earlier, the commerce minister inaugurated fair and visited various stalls showcasing local agricultural products, litchis, agricultural technology, and innovative initiatives.
