Govt working to make agricultural products major export items: Agri Minister

"Bangladesh has not had to import onions from abroad so far this year. One day, Bangladesh will export various agricultural products to other countries," he said.

The minister was speaking at a seminar titled "Technical Education and Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security" on the second day of a three-day Technical Education and Innovation Fair at Cumilla Town Hall ground.

Cumilla District Technical, Vocational Education and Training Institution Forum (TVET) organized the seminar.

Aminur Rashid said ensuring safe food has become increasingly important as excessive use of pesticides poses risks to human health.

He stressed the need to reduce the use of pesticides and adopt safe and sustainable agricultural practices to ensure a healthy future for the next generation.

The minister said Bangladesh has highly favorable conditions for agricultural production, including fertile soil, adequate sunlight and rainfall.

He also said the hardworking people of the country provide another advantage for increasing agricultural production.

"There is ample scope to increase agricultural production by utilizing these potentials," he said.

Aminur Rashid said excessive use of pesticides in crops is having adverse effects on human health, adding that scientific research has found cases of cancer among farmers.

"Therefore, the highest priority must be given to safe food production to protect people's health and ensure a safe future for the next generation," he said.

"We have to go to the fields and produce our own crops. We have to move forward with limited resources and ensure their maximum utilization," the minister said.

He said it was unfortunate that Bangladesh still has to import green chillies, carrots and tomatoes.

"But the day is not far when these products will no longer need to be imported. Rather, Bangladesh will export these agricultural products abroad," he added.

Earlier, the minister visited different stalls at the fair and inspected innovative projects displayed by students. He praised the students for their innovative initiatives.

Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Rozi Akter chaired the seminar, while Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Md Yusuf Molla Tipu attended it as a special guest.

Vice Principal of Cumilla Polytechnic Institute Engineer Md Sakhawat Hasan presented the keynote paper, while Principal of Cumilla Agriculture and Technical College Paramananda Goswami delivered the welcome address, reports BSS.