RAJSHAHI, Sept 26, 2021 (BSS) - Field-level agricultural extension
officials, scientists and researchers have been urged to expand the modern
agricultural technologies to the grassroots farmers for boosting yield to
meet the gradually mounting demands.

   Substantial and sustainable expansion of modern technologies can be the
effective means of making the agriculture sector profitable and successful
and that's very important for ensuring food security. The views were
expressed by high officials of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE)
at a daylong regional workshop-2021 related to modern technology expansion in
Rajshahi today.

   The DAE organized the workshop under its project titled "Agriculture
Development Project of Rajshahi Division through Extension of Modern
Technology" at BGB Party Point largely attended by extension officials,
scientists and researchers.

   DAE Director General Muhammad Asadullah addressed the workshop as the
chief guest, while Director of the project Dr SM Hasanuzzaman welcomed the
participants.

   With DAE Additional Director Sirajul Islam in the chair, the meeting was
addressed, among others, by Deputy Directors Shamsul Wadud, Nazrul Islam and
Abdul Awal.  

   Md Asadullah said the present government under the dynamic and visionary
leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has attached top priority to the
agriculture sector to boost its yield to meet the country's demand.

   So, all the officials and staff concerned should discharge their duties
with utmost sincerity and honesty to supplement the government endeavour
after the best uses of modern technologies.

   He urged the field level agriculture officials to put in their level best
efforts to make the agricultural activities commercialised and profitable to
ensure food security in the country.

   Agriculturist Asadullah told the meeting that the government has set a
target of doubling the food production, while maize production to one crore
tonnes from the existing 50 lakh tonnes by 2030.

   Dr Hasanuzzaman told the meeting that the five-year project is being
implemented in 67 upazilas of all eight districts in the division at a cost
of around Taka 147.03 crore since January, 2020.

   Upon successful implementation by December, 2024, the project will help
increase cropping intensity to 242 percent from 237 percent through expansion
of modern agriculture technologies.

   Besides, the project is intended to enhance production of paddy, pulse and
oilseed to 12 percent each, wheat and maize to 10 percent each, spice to 13
percent, vegetables to 15 percent and fruits to 14 percent.