Agriculture Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, who is also the Adviser in-charge of the Home Ministry, on Wednesday stressed for the need to increase agricultural production by providing high-quality seeds and other inputs.
During a meeting at the Secretariat, the Adviser, emphasised on ensuring the best quality seeds delivery to the farmers, and said, "Poor-quality seeds result in substandard crop yields, affecting overall agricultural productivity."
Member (Secretary) to the Ministry of Agriculture, Emdad Ullah Mian, senior ministry officials, and heads of various departments and organisations were also present at the meeting.
The Adviser assured that there is no shortage of fertilisers for now but stressed the importance of ensuring timely delivery to farmers.
"The fertiliser supply chain must remain orderly to guarantee that farmers receive their supplies when they need them," he said.
In addition to seeds and fertilisers, the Adviser also focused on the role of farm mechanisation in increasing production.
However, he cautioned that the impact on farmer employment must be taken into consideration.
"We must strike a balance between modernising agriculture while also ensuring that farmers' livelihoods are not negatively affected by mechanisation," he said.
Mr Chowdhury voiced his firm stand against corruption, stating that it will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
"No recommendations will be accepted for any corrupt individuals", he warned, adding that corruption deprives farmers, who often do not receive fair prices due to malpractices of intermediaries and dishonest people.
He also remarked about the Quota Reform Movement which turned into the Anti Discrimination Student Movement, and other concerns beyond it, stating, "The students' movement is not just an anti-quota movement but also a movement against corruption."
The Adviser instructed field-level officers and employees of various departments under the ministry, and other organisations to prioritise serving farmers.
"Ensure that all your efforts at the workplace are directed toward supporting and serving our farmers," he added.
Meanwhile, bdnews24.com adds, the adviser also visited the Border Guard (BGB) Hospital on the day to see the BGB personnel, students and other people injured in the recent violence surrounding the Anti-discrimination Student Movement's protests.
He visited the hospital on Wednesday morning and spoke to the injured about their medical treatment, BGB said in a press statement.
The advisor gave directives to everyone, including the BGB director general, to ensure better treatment for the injured.
At least three BGB personnel died while 130 were injured in the recent violence across the country. Among the dead, two worked in the Rapid Action Battalion.
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