Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid addresses FAO workshop, stressing stronger pesticide quality control for safe food production. Photo : Ministry

DHAKA, July 12, 2026 (BSS) - Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today said pesticide quality control must be strengthened from the source level to ensure safe food production.

The minister said this while addressing a workshop organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as the chief guest at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council auditorium at Farmgate in the capital, said a PID release.

Agriculture Secretary Dr. Rafiqul I Mohamed, Economic Relations Division Additional Secretary AKM Sohel and Agriculture Ministry Additional Secretary Md Mahmudur Rahman were special guests, with Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council Executive Chairman Dr Md Abdus Salam in the chair.

Aminur Rashid, also minister for Fisheries and Livestock, said pesticides are often applied shortly before harvesting crops, leaving harmful chemical residues in food. 

"To ensure safe food for the country's people, it is not enough only to raise awareness among farmers, but also strict quality control measures must be enforced from the stages of pesticide import, registration, quality verification and the landing points," he said.

Producing safe food is the biggest challenge for agriculture in the coming days, he said "The current world has a greater demand for quality food. Bangladesh must place special emphasis on producing internationally standard safe food by utilising its fertile soil, favourable climate, adequate sunlight and rainfall."

Highlighting the potential of agricultural products, Aminur Rashid said the introduction of a modern and hygienic packing system for mango exports from Bangladesh has already yielded positive results. 

He added, "Likewise, jackfruit, meat and other agricultural products also have vast potential in the international market. To increase exports, international standards and food safety must be ensured at every stage of production, processing, preservation and supply."

The Agriculture Minister said the goal of producing safe food can be achieved only through the combined efforts of agricultural researchers, scientists, extension officials and field-level officials. 

Research-based technologies must be delivered to farmers quickly to build a modern, environment-friendly and sustainable agricultural system, he added.