Agriculture heroes honoured

Ten individuals and institutions were honoured yesterday for their exemplary contribution to the country's agriculture sector and the impact they have had on their communities.

Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque handed the crests and prize money to the winners of the seventh edition of the AGROW Award, initiated by the Standard Chartered Bangladesh and Channel i, at a programme at the Hotel Sheraton Dhaka.

The organisers honoured them in nine categories among 350 nominations submitted.

Of them, Md Akbar Hossain, a fish farmer in Chapainawabganj who uses the in-pond raceway system (IPRS), was recognised as the male farmer of the year.

Nayan Selina and Nurunnahar Begum jointly won the accolade in the best female farmer of the year category.

Nurunnahar has dairy, fish and poultry farms in Pabna. Through her work, she has not only become solvent but is also supporting nearly 100 families. 

Selina is a farmer in Cox's Bazar.

Md Jahangir Alam Shah has set up an agriculture information library and museum in his own house in Naogaon. In recognition of his work, he was given the "Hero for Change" award.

The best journalist category award went to Mohammad Nuruzzaman, editor and publisher of Weekly Krishi O Amish.

Abdur Rahim, a professor of the Bangladesh Agricultural University, won the lifetime achievement award for developing 70 types of fruits varieties. He has been engaged in agriculture research for more than 40 years.

Md Kobbat Hossain, a Chinese vegetable grower in Savar, was chosen for the jury special award. Bangladesh Agricultural University, a public university in Mymensingh, was crowned the best agricultural organisation in research, innovation and technology.

Pran Dairy Ltd, a sister concern of Pran Group, and one of the leading dairy processors in the country, bagged the award as the best agricultural exporter.

The Resource Development Foundation, a non-government organisation, was awarded as the best agricultural organisation in the support and execution category for popularising solar pumps among farmers.

Speaking at the event, Naser Ezaz Bijoy, chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said, "The work done by this year's award winners is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the heroes of the agriculture sector."

"Even in the face of a global pandemic and various other obstacles, these individuals and organisations have remained undeterred providing employment for more than 6,500 people."

"Their drive, passion, and dedication to their craft and to a nation of millions that rely on them are truly inspiring."

Shykh Seraj, director and head of news at Channel i, said technological change is inevitable in the agriculture sector. "The sector is moving towards technological transformation."

In order to make the transformation smooth, funding is needed, according to Seraj. "The government should provide subsidies while the private sector should make investments." 

Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque said the government is working to modernise the agriculture sector and speed up farm mechanisation with a view to expanding production.

"In some cases, the government is providing 70 per cent subsidies."

For example, the price of a tractor is Tk 27 lakh in the international market, but a farmer in Bangladesh can buy it at Tk 7 lakh because of the subsidies, he said.

The minister urged companies to extend more support to farmers from the funds they set aside for their corporate social responsibility activities. 

Atiur Rahman, a former governor of the central bank, also spoke.