Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today spoke at a community gathering at the Harindhara Government Primary School at Moynamoti union of Burichang upazila. Photo : PID

CUMILLA, April 18, 2026(BSS) - Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today emphasized financial solvency of farmers to strengthen country’s economy.  

He said that around 70 percent of the country’s population is directly or indirectly dependant on agriculture for their livelihood. Therefore, if the economic condition of farmers improves, it will make the national economy more robust and stable.

The minister made these remarks while addressing a community gathering at the Harindhara Government Primary School at Moynamoti union of Burichang upazila here as the chief guest after inspecting the Gomti River and Jatua canal.

While giving directives to field-level agricultural officials, he said that immediate action would be taken if there are allegations of overpricing of fertilizers. If necessary, officials will collect evidence in plain clothes, record videos and take legal action against those responsible. He warned that no irregularities in the market management would be tolerated.

Highlighting the protection of farmers' interests as the government's top priority; he said the government is committed to ensuring farmers’ fair rights. 

He stressed the effective implementation of government-fixed rice procurement prices based on production costs, adding that without ensuring fair returns for the farmers’ labor, the agricultural sector cannot sustain in the long run.

The minister also noted that the “Krishak Card” program has already been launched on a pilot basis in 11 upazilas across 10 districts. Under the initiative, marginal, small and poor farmers are getting financial assistance of Taka 2,500 each. He said the program will gradually be expanded across the country.

He added that steps are being taken to provide farmers with direct services from the agricultural offices including harvesting machines to eliminate the role of middlemen.

The minister said past initiatives in the agriculture sector have played a significant role in ensuring the country’s food security. The present government is continuing efforts for farmers’ welfare and will take all necessary measures to further advance the sector in the future.

He also announced that the government has taken a tough stance against the market syndicates to ensure fair prices for agricultural products and instructed the authorities to strengthen monitoring to prevent unjustified price hikes in fertilizers, seeds and pesticides.

At the event, he announced the construction of a modern storage facility at Nimsar vegetable market. This would allow farmers to store their products and sell at a more favorable time, helping to boost the local agricultural economy.

Member of Parliament from Cumilla-5 constituency Md. Jasim Uddin spoke at the function as the main speaker. The event was chaired by ATM Mizanur Rahman, President of Burichang upazila BNP and moderated by its general secretary Md. Kabir Hossain. Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Yusuf Molla Tipu attended the programme as special guest. Officials of local administration and political and social leaders were also present at the function, among others.