Agriculture Minister Asks Private Seed Farms to Profit Less

Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque on Monday asked the private seed production companies to make less profit as part of their social role during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Minister came up with the remarks at an online meeting over production and distribution of seeds of different food grains.

"In view of the purchasing capacity and financial constraints of growers, private corporations will stand by the government this year by supplying seeds with less benefit as part of their corporate social responsibility," he said.

Although there were some problems with the marketing of seasonal fruit and vegetables at the beginning of the outbreak, they have now been resolved, Razzaque added that currently, farmers can sell their produce at the desired rate.

The biggest challenge is to increase the production of Aman in the coming season during this time of crisis in the country, as it is cultivated in large areas but with less production, the Minister said.

Production can be increased to 15-20 percent by using only highly competitive and qualitative seeds, he added, adding that the Ministry has been trying to generate and supply quality seeds to ensure sustainable food protection.

“The ministry has taken short-term, mid-term and long-term plans and hopefully Bangladesh will be out of the possible food crisis that might hit the world if the plans are implemented properly," Razzaque said.

The government has provided Tk 20 crore subsidy for selling 19,500 metric tonnes of Aman seeds among farmers this year, he said.

Source: UNB