Rice production has increased four times: Agriculture Minister

POBNEWS24, Dhaka Feb 13, 2023 : Minister of Agriculture and Awami League presidium member Dr. Md. Abdur Razzak said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, all agriculturalists will work tirelessly for the food and nutrition security of the country’s 17 crore people. Agriculture of the country has risen to new heights today with the contribution of agriculturists and farmers with the welfare of the present government’s agri-friendly policies.

He said these things after inaugurating the golden jubilee ceremony of the Farmers’ Day by laying wreaths, flying pigeons and balloons at the historic Bangabandhu Memorial Square of Mymensingh Agricultural University on Monday.

On February 13, 1973, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman came to the premises of Bangladesh Agricultural University (Bakribi) in Mymensingh and announced the first class rank of agriculturalists in government service. At the time of the historic announcement, the general secretary of the Central Student Union of Bangladesh Agricultural University was the young student leader of Bangladesh Chhatra League, the current Minister of Agriculture Dr. Krishibid. Abdur Razzaq.

Recalling that immortal memory, the minister said, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had announced the first class rank for agriculturists in government jobs to attract talented students in agriculture. At the same time, Bangabandhu also extended various facilities to increase the social status of the agriculturists.

The minister said that the unprecedented development in the agricultural sector under the leadership of Bangabandhu’s daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina – all agriculturalists will continue with this enthusiasm today. The success of agricultural production including rice, corn, vegetables, potatoes, fish, meat, milk, eggs will be increased.

Dr. Razzak said that it would not have been possible to provide food to seven and a half crore people after independence. Had to depend on others for food. And now we are producing food for 17 crore people. Rice production has quadrupled in the last 50 years. Productivity has also increased four and a half times in these 50 years.

Later, Agriculture Minister Zainul Abedin attended the Farmers’ Day seminar organized by Democratic Teachers Forum as the chief guest at the university’s auditorium.

State Minister for Culture KM Khalid, Mayor of Mymensingh Municipality Ikramul Haque Titu, Vice-Chancellor of Bakribi Professor Lutful Hasan, Founder President of Bakribi Chhatra League Abul Faiz Kutubi, former VP of Bakrbi Central Student Union Yashin Ali, former president of Bakrbi Chhatra League Engineer Md. Rahmatullah, former VP of Bakribi Central Student Union. Najibur Rahman, Executive Chairman of BARC Sheikh Md. Bakhtiar, former Director General of Agriculture Extension Department Hamidur Rahman and others spoke. Former Vice-Chancellor Professor MA Sattar Mandal presented the keynote address under the chairmanship of Democratic Teachers Forum President Abu Hadi Noor Ali Khan.