Govt to form cell for agriculture entrepreneurs

The agriculture ministry will open a dedicated cell for local agricultural entrepreneurs with an aim to facilitate investment in farming and the expansion of agro-based businesses across the country.

"We will soon form a cell to promote and create new entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector," said Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque.

Razzaque made these comments while addressing a day-long conference on agricultural entrepreneurship styled "Bhorosar Notun Janala" (New window of hope).

The event, organised by the Bangladesh Safe Agro Food Efforts (BSAFE) Foundation in association with United Commercial Bank Limited (UCBL), was held at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) in Dhaka yesterday.

Over 100 farmers and agri-business entrepreneurs from 33 districts attended the programme, where farmers shared the hassles they face in securing bank loans, how difficult it is to market their produce, and demanded more cold storages in rural areas.

One farmer from Bogura, Ahsanul Kabir Dalim, alleged that he had to bribe the relevant authorities to get agro-machinery which is subsidised by taxpayers' money.

Razzaque went on to say that such a gathering of farmers is very important for the industry's development.

"Farmers are playing a significant role in the country's economy. We and banks have a responsibility to help farmers more. Besides, farmers should take their rights properly from us too," he said.

The agriculture minister also said there is no food crisis in the country right now.

Some 15 years ago, many families suffered from a lack of food from mid-September to mid-November. Now, there is no such crisis and agriculture has huge potential in Bangladesh.

"Our scientists have also developed new rice varieties that have higher yields," he said, adding that agricultural land use is the highest in Bangladesh compared to other countries in the world.

Mohammed Shawkat Jamil, managing director of UCBL, said agricultural products are exported because of the efforts of farmers and the government's support and favourable policies.

"All that is needed now is a little supportive surroundings and generous funding," he said, adding that if given the necessary supportive environment, agriculture could be one of the foundations for building a developed and prosperous Bangladesh.