More agri subsidy likely in current fiscal: Muhith

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Finance Minister AMA Muhith hinted Saturday that agriculture subsidy in the current fiscal might be increased from the proposed Tk 40 billion (4,000 crore), reports UNB.
"Agriculture subsidy might not be contained at Tk 40b during the current fiscal. There is a need for more subsidies in agriculture and it will continue," he said while addressing a discussion meeting on 'Subsidy in agriculture: problems and potentials' as the chief guest in the city.
Organised by the Jatiya Samannita Unnayan Foundation (JSUF), renowned economist Dr Abul Barakat presented a paper as the key discussant while Jagannath University VC Dr Mesbahuddin Ahmed, Hazi Danish Science and Technology University VC Dr M Afzal Hossain and Rupali Bank Limited Chairman Dr Ahmad Al Kabir also addressed the occasion, among others. JSUF President Khandaker Asaduzzaman MP presided over the function.
Mentioning that agriculture-based economy is the base of the country which include water resources, livestock, fisheries and forest resources, the Finance Minister said that development of the agriculture sector should be the key for any development strategy.
Acknowledging that although the agriculture subsidy in the current fiscal year is less than the previous fiscal in terms of allocation, Muhith said: "This time we purchase fertiliser at much lower prices and the misuse of subsidy has also been controlled."