Civil Society Groups (CSOs) Thursday at a roundtable discussion called for an 'Agricultural Court' to safeguard the farmers' right.
The roundtable styled 'Farmer's Rights and Agriculture Court Issue' jointly organised by USAID, UKAID, WAVE Foundation (WF) and The Asia Foundation (AF) was held at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) in the city.
Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu and Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon spoke as guests of honour. Executive Director of WF Mohsin Ali presented a keynote paper.
Lawmaker Fazle Hossain Badsha, Krishok Samity President Morshed Ali, AF Country Representative Hasan Majumder, Project Director of PRODIP Kartik Chandra Mandal, among others, were also present at the discussion.
Mohosin Ali in his paper said like Labour Court, Agriculture Court should be established in the country to safeguard the farmers from deprivation of any kind.
There are no strict rules and regulations against the market manipulators, agri-input adulterers, he added.
He also demanded enactment of the National Agriculture Policy 2010 (draft) and Agriculture Extension Policy 2012 (draft) for the betterment of farmers.
Mr Rashed Khan Menon said in the country, there are many laws which are yielding no benefits to the farmers due to lack of its proper execution.
Mr Inu said an Agriculture Court could be formed with the participation of the farmers, their representatives, politicians, government officials and civil society groups.
Fazle Hossain Badsha emphasised on ensuring fair price for goods produced by farmers to keep them remain in farming.
Morshed Ali advocated for cooperative in every village for the farmers' empowerment.
