LGRD and Cooperatives State Minister Mir Shahe Alam. File photo

BOGURA, July 18, 2026 (BSS) - LGRD and Cooperatives State Minister Mir Shahe Alam today said the government is working to increase domestic cotton production to reduce import dependence.

"To strengthen the country's textile and ready-made garment industries and to reduce import dependence, the government is working to boost domestic cotton production," he said.

He made this remark while speaking as the chief guest at a programme organised by the Bogura Zone of the Cotton Development Board at Shibganj Upazila Auditorium here.

The programme marked the inauguration of the free distribution of hybrid cotton seeds, fertilisers and pesticides among small and marginal farmers of Shibganj, Sonatala and Gabtali upazilas to boost cotton cultivation and production during the 2026-27 season. 

More than 200 farmers attended the event.

Mir Shahe Alam said Bangladesh spends a substantial amount of foreign exchange on cotton imports every year and higher domestic production would help retain those resources while supporting the country's textile sector.

He assured that all farmers across the country would be brought under the Farmers' Card programme within the next four years.

Highlighting the potential of cotton cultivation, he said cotton has multiple uses and can be processed into various products.

Referring to India and Pakistan, he said products, including particle boards, are manufactured from cotton there and Bangladesh also has significant potential to expand cotton production.

He urged farmers to adopt cotton cultivation and mentioned that the government has allocated to provide incentives for cotton cultivation.

He said cotton could be cultivated alongside other crops and suggested that farmers consider growing cottons where suitable

Emphasising the economic importance of the sector, he said, "Cotton is the principal raw material for Bangladesh's textile industry and country's ready-made garment sector relies heavily on imported raw cotton."

"Increasing domestic production would reduce import dependence and strengthen one of the country's key export-earning industries," he said.

Officials from Cotton Development Board, local administration and respective fields were present at the seed distribution event, among others.