BMDA Chairman Hasan Jafir Tuhin stresses planned water use and conservation to sustain Barind farmers’ livelihoods and agriculture. Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Aug 9, 2026 (BSS)- Chairman of Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA)  Hasan Jafir Tuhin emphasized the need to ensure proper and planned use of water in the interest of farmers in the Barind region.
 
He said the agriculture and livelihood of farmers in the Barind region depend on water. Therefore, the optimum use of every drop of water must be ensured. Just increasing the amount of irrigation will not be enough; efficiency in water use must be increased and water sources must be conserved for future generations.
 
He made these remarks today while speaking as the chief guest at the validation workshop on the findings of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) consultation, held at a   restaurant hall in Rajshahi city.
 
The workshop was jointly organized by BMDA and ADB. Overall cooperation was provided by the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation Bangladesh (SAF) and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).
 
The BMDA Chairman said irrigation facilities are important to increase farmers' production in the Barind region. But agricultural development cannot be made sustainable in the long term by putting excessive pressure on groundwater.

 Irrigation planning must be done considering where and how much water is being used, what the water sources are, and what the availability of water will be in the future.

For this, emphasis must be given to modern irrigation technology, water-saving farming methods, and increasing the use of surface water. The reality of the Barind region is different from other regions. 
 
Calling for completing the feasibility study of the Barind project on a realistic basis by utilizing ADB's advice and research findings, he said long-term planning must be undertaken from now to face future challenges surrounding water and agriculture.
 
Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension Dr Azizur Rahman, Executive Director of SAF Forhad Jamil, Head of Policy (GAIN) Dr. Mohammad Monirul Hasan, Senior Agriculture Specialist of ADB Dr. Noor Khandaker, Professor of Civil Engineering Department at RUET Niamul Bari and Regional Head BRRI Dr. Mohammad Hossain, among others, were present at the workshop. 
The workshop was presided over by Additional Chief Engineer of BMDA Dr Abul Kashem.
 
In the workshop, various aspects of the feasibility study of the Barind project, agriculture and irrigation management, sustainable use of water resources and increasing farmers' productivity were discussed and the results of consultations were validated.