None Goes to Bed Hungry in Bangladesh: Agriculture Minister

Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque said on Friday that at the moment, no one is starving because of the Prime Minister's agriculture-friendly policy in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic.

He made the remarks as the chief guest of the program at the Krishibid Diploma Institution, reports UNB.

"Government policy for farmers and agriculture-friendly, providing subsidies for irrigation, fertilizers and plants, and new innovations have brought unparalleled advances in agriculture and food production," he said.

Farmers are front-line soldiers for the agricultural growth of the country, he said, adding: "Diploma agriculturists are also front-line soldiers just like farmers. They've had fantastic contributions.

He also ensured that the Diploma Agriculturists' requirements, including post, promotion and the provision of motorcycles for work, were met.

In the meantime, this year's flood has destroyed crops on more than 1,58 lakh hectares of land, causing losses worth 1,323 crores.

Approximately 2,57 hectares of paddy fields have been flooded, affecting 1,272,151 farmers in 37 districts, Razzaque said in August.

He also asked all ministry officials to brace for the second wave of Coronavirus outbreaks that are likely to reach the country in the coming winter.

Earlier, a meeting on agriculture production and stock was held at the Ganobhaban on Thursday with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

The meeting reviewed the country’s food production during the flood situation, particularly in the coming Aman season. It also discussed implementation of 21 incentive packages declared by the government to face the losses due to COVID-19.