Agri minister doubts rice and potato statistics

Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque yesterday expressed doubts over the production statistics of rice and potato, saying that the price of the staple grain and tuber rose despite estimates of higher output.   

"Reliable data on the agriculture sector is very essential. Future planning becomes easy and good when we have correct data on production and demand of various crops," he said while addressing a programme, according to a press release.

The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) organised the event at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon hotel marking National Statistics Day.

Razzaque's comment came after consumers had to spend as much as Tk 50 to buy one kilogram of potato in Dhaka owing to a supply shortage in the market.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) estimated that 1.09 crore tonnes of potato were produced in the fiscal year of 2019-20, which was higher than the previous year.

"It appears to me that the data on the production of crops, acreage and per acre yield is incorrect," he said.

"So, the statisticians should find a way to gather correct information," he added.

Razzaque suggested BBS officials innovate methods to prepare reliable and quality statistics. He also asked officials to review and analyse the data collected in a practical manner.

The minister said the BBS should review western approaches to estimate farm production.