Government prioritizing Agriculture sector during Corona crisis: Speakers at 'Beyond the Pandemic

Speakers here in a webinar said the government is very much sincere about the country’s agriculture sector during the pandemic and the ongoing flood across the country as the government has taken different pragmatic steps to make the sector more thriving.

They were participating in the 12th episode of the ruling Awami League’s ongoing webinar titled ‘Beyond the Pandemic’ held at 8:30pm on Tuesday last.

Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Barrister Shah Ali Farhad moderated the 12th episode titled ‘Agriculture and Food Security during the corona pandemic’, said a release.

Agriculture Minister and Awami League presidium member Dr M Abdur Razzaque, Emeritus Professor and former vice chancellor of Bangladesh Agriculture University (BAU) Dr MA Sattar Mondol, BAU’s vice chancellor Dr Lutful Hasan, Bangladesh Agriculture Economist Association President Sajjadul Hasan and Awami League Agriculture and Cooperatives Affairs Secretary Faridunnahar Laily joined the webinar as discussants.

Taking part in the webinar, Dr M Abdur Razzaque said people across the country are going through a crisis due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and they are currently economically and socially vulnerable to many ways.

Besides, as the flood situation of the country is deteriorating, the government is showing deep concern about the agricultural sector, he said.

He added that the authorities concerned discussed and reviewed agricultural issues and gave necessary directions to the agricultural officers and field level workers of about 33 flood-hit districts yesterday for the betterment of the agriculture sector.

He said Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given utmost importance to agriculture after health sector in her all speeches during the crisis.

He also directed all leaders of AL and its affiliated organisations to work together to tackle the current crisis specially the food crisis.

Dr MA Sattar Mondol said there is a good news of the country’s agricultural production system and that is as many as 1.65 crore farming families are still cultivating in small scale in the country even in the crisis.

Dr Lutful Hasan said the government formed under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman following the country’s independence in 1971, gave more importance to agriculture sector.

Standing on the green premises of the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangabandhu on February 13 in 1973, emphasised on further development of agriculture and further advancement of agricultural education and research in Bangladesh, he added.

On the same time, he (Bangabandhu) gave first class status to the agricultural graduates, Lutful Hasan said, adding that since then, agriculture sector has gained its momentum and moved forward further with a rapid pace.

Faridunnahar Laily said, “There has been a major change in agricultural production and management in the country…. as a result, the population has doubled since Bangladesh’s independence, but food production quadrupled in the country.”

“Now we are self-sufficient in food production and Bangladesh is in third position across the globe for rice production,” she added.