Agriculture Adviser Lt. Gen. Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.) today underscored the need for proper evaluation of farmers in the country.
“Our farmers are the key workers in ensuring the country’s food security and the success of agriculture. But they are often not appreciated. We have to overcome this issue. Proper evaluation of farmers is needed,” he said.
Jahangir, also the home adviser, said these while speaking at a view-exchanging meeting held at Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) in the city’s Dilkusha area as the chief guest, a press release said.
During exchanging views, the adviser highlighted the issues of fertilizer and seed supply, irrigation system, providing services to farmers at the marginal level, prevention of irregularities and corruption.
Later, the adviser was briefed about the activities of BADC, the release added.
Regarding agricultural production, Jahangir said misinformation on production costs affects farmers and they are ultimately deprived of fair prices of agri-goods.
He said accurate information on production costs should be publicized for the benefit of farmers.
He urged all concerned to stop excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides to ensure food safety.
Farmers need to be made aware of the fact that excessive use of urea fertilizers damages the land in the long run, he said, adding that the use of urea-fertilizers should be limited.
The adviser directed the BADC officials to ensure timely delivery of fertilizers and seeds to the farmers.
He called upon all to stand against corruption for the betterment of the people of the country.
Later, the adviser visited various departments of BADC.
Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Dr Nurunnahar Chowdhury and BADC Chairman Abdullah Sajjad, among others, were present. (BSS)