ZCZC
BSS-58
FOOD-SECURITY-RAZZAQUE
Country’s crop output reaches 4,53cr MTs amid pandemic: Dr Razzaque
DHAKA, Oct 8, 2020 (BSS) – Agriculture Minister Dr M Abdur Razzaque
said today the country has achieved self-sufficiency in food
production in the last ten years, with significant surge of major crop
production up 4.53 crore tonnes in the current fiscal year amid
coronavirus pandemic and unfavorable climate condition.
“Facing adverse situation of coronavirus pandemic and the natural
disasters like flood and cyclone, the country’s rice, wheat and maize
production mounted 4.53 crore tonnes in the current fiscal year”, he
told a seminar held at the Hotel Intercontinental here.
Bangladesh Institute of Research and Training on Applied Nutrition
(BIRTAN, a research and educational institute under the Ministry of
Agriculture arranged the function.
Dr Razzaque said the country has emerged as a role model in the
agricultural development across the world.
He said that due to the government’s time befitting decisions along
with dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led to ensure
the food security of the people.
Agriculture Secretary M Nasirurzzaman spoke the function as the
special guest.
Chaired by Executive Director the Bangladesh Institute of Research
and Training on Applied Nutrition Md Habibur Rahman Khan, the seminar
also addressed, among others, by ex-director general of the Department
of Agricultural Extension (DAE) M Hamidur Rahman, ICDDR,B senior
director Dr Tahmid Ahmed, executive chief of Farming Future Bangladesh
M Arif Hossen and BARTAN’s director Kazi Abul Kalam.
Mentioning that nutrition security is still a big challenge, Dr
Razzaqe said as per the electoral manifesto, the government is working
to ensure nutritious and safe food for all.
The government, he said, is implementing nutrition enriched
vegetable garden programme at each union through applying
bio-technology, farm mechanization and Kalikapur model to increase the
production of vegetables and fruits,.
Besides, modern and local bio-technology system is also underway
for raising the production of animal protein like fish, meat, milk and
egg.
Regarding the consumption of ‘broiler meat’, the agriculture
minister said, “Although the broiler chicken meat is one of the best
and easiest sources of protein, the people are very much reluctant to
consume it due to its safety concern.”
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