Include agri in curricula

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the authorities concerned to include agriculture and its practical aspects in curricula to encourage students to properly know about cultivation system.

“Many people don't want to go to the farmland for agricultural works when they complete their education… special measures should be taken to make our students curious and sincere about agricultural works... they should have a subject on agriculture alongside a practical one,” she said.

The prime minister said this while distributing “Bangabandhu Jatiya Krishi Purashkar” (Bangabandhu National Agriculture Award) for Bangla year 1423 at a ceremony in Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

Twenty-six individuals and six organisations were honoured with the award for their contributions to the agriculture sector, reports BSS.

She said agriculture is the lifeline of the country's economy. “We'll gradually shift our dependence to industry, but not by axing agriculture as it will provide raw materials for industries apart from ensuring food security.”

“Students should learn this [agricultural works], there's nothing to be ashamed of if anyone plants a sapling with his or her own hands."

She said the government wants children to acquire knowledge about agricultural works from their childhood and have practical knowledge.

The premier said her government is helping all concerned adopt modern technology in agriculture and providing equipment to farmers.

She emphasised setting up food-processing industries across the country. “Bangladesh has a huge potential in this sector as it can help earn foreign currency through exports.”

She also asked for protecting agricultural land from the onslaught of unplanned urbanisation and industrialisation.

Hasina said her government has been striving to ensure food security through boosting production. She mentioned that silos and storages are being built to preserve food grains for a couple of years to meet the local demands as well as use those as a backup to tackle any unwanted situation caused by natural calamities.

Stressing the importance of conducting extensive research on agriculture, the prime minister said success in this area is not possible without any research.

She also mentioned that the researchers of Bangladesh have invented flood, drought and salinity tolerant rice.

During every Bangla New Year, she said, the government gives “Bangabandhu Jatiya Krishi Purashkar”, the highest state recognition for contributions to the development of the country's agriculture sector.

Five gold, nine silver and 18 bronze medals in 10 categories are given to individuals and organisations each year for their contributions.

The awardees received medals, prize money and certificates from the prime minister.

Award recipient Farhana Yasmin expressed feelings on behalf the award winners.

Presided over by Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury, the function was addressed, among others, by Fisheries and Livestock Minister Narayan Chandra.