RAJSHAHI, Sept 21, 2019 (BSS)- Agriculture Secretary Md Nasiruzzaman has
urged the field level agricultural officials and others concerned to promote
the less-water consuming crops like wheat, maize and pulses in Barind area to
reduce the gradually mounting pressure on its underground water.
“Farming cost of the less-irrigation consuming cereal crops is less than
the Irri-Boro paddy so utmost emphasis should be given on boosting the
acreage of the crops,” he said while addressing a view-sharing meeting with
officials of all the agriculture-related organizations working in Rajshahi
region as chief guest.
Zone office of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) hosted the
meeting at its conference hall here yesterday afternoon. More than 75
officials representing DAE, BADC, BRRI, BARI, Wheat and maize research, soil
research, sugar crop research and pulse research attended the meeting.
Chaired by DAE Additional Director Deb Dulal Dhali, the meeting was
addressed, among others, by its deputy directors Shamsul Haque and Monzurul
Huda and Director General of Bangladesh Sugar Crop Research Institute Dr
Amzad Hossain.
Secretary Nasiruzzaman said the water-stressed condition of the Barind area
can easily be mitigated through substantial and sustainable promoting the
farming of Aush paddy, vegetables and various types of both conventional and
non-conventional fruits including malta and dragon.
He urged the attending officials and researchers to put in their level
best efforts to elevate the rice production to 5.32 tonnes per hectare per
year by 2030 and collective efforts is needed to attain the cherished goal.
He said the role of agriculture sector is very vital towards making the
country’s economy functional alongside ensuring food security. He called upon
the field level officials and researchers to discharge their duties with
utmost sincerity and honesty.
Besides, he mentioned that the government has attached highest priority to
the agriculture sector and added that the field level officials and
researchers should take the responsibilities of reaching the government’s
services to the farmers’ doorsteps.
Nasiruzzaman added that large-scale promotion of bio-rational fertilizer
and pest management in fruit and vegetable farming has become crucial for
boosting the cash crops production side by side with reducing toxic chemical
fertilizer and pesticides and management of different insects and pest in the
region.