Govt Pushes Tech-Driven, Profitable Agriculture: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday said the government has launched a series of initiatives to transform Bangladesh's agriculture from a traditional, labour-intensive sector into a technology-driven, profitable, competitive and sustainable industry through greater use of research, innovation and mechanisation.

Speaking during the question-answer session in Parliament, with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair, the Prime Minister said the government is implementing comprehensive measures to modernise agriculture and prepare the sector for future challenges.

Responding to a question from Cumilla-9 lawmaker Md Abul Kalam, Tarique said the government is expanding the use of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies in agriculture, including artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), remote sensing, drones, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite data and big data.

He said these technologies will enable more accurate monitoring of crop health and yields, early detection of diseases, improved fertiliser and irrigation management, and more efficient production planning.

The Prime Minister said the government also plans to introduce precision agriculture to reduce production costs, increase productivity and improve farmers' incomes through data-driven farming practices.

He added that the agricultural sector will be further strengthened through appropriate incentives to ensure balanced, safe and nutritious food production while enhancing the sector's competitiveness.

Tarique also announced plans to launch the 'Khamari App', a digital platform that will provide farmers with real-time information on suitable crops for different regions and seasons, fertiliser requirements, weather forecasts and other essential farming guidance.

He said the app is expected to help farmers make informed decisions, boost productivity and minimise production risks.

The Prime Minister said the government's long-term goal is to build a modern, climate-resilient and commercially viable agricultural sector capable of ensuring sustainable food security and supporting rural development.