‘Farmers deserve fair valuation, support’

Agriculture and Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (retd) has said farmers are the cornerstone of the country's food security and agricultural success.
"Yet they remain underappreciated. We must change this. Farmers need to be properly appreciated," he said.
The adviser made these remarks while addressing a view-exchange meeting organised during his visit to the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) head office in the capital on Thursday.
During the discussion, he addressed key issues such as fertiliser and seed supply, irrigation system and the provision of services to marginal farmers.
He also highlighted the need for preventing irregularities and corruption within the BADC.
Speaking about agricultural production, the adviser stressed the importance of growing profitable crops.
"Misinformation about production costs harms farmers and deprives them of fair compensation. Accurate data on production costs is essential and will benefit farmers."
The adviser also called for a reduction in the excessive use of pesticides and urea fertiliser which he noted damages soil over time.
"Farmers must be made aware of the long-term effects of overusing urea. Its application should be carefully regulated," he warned.
The adviser directed BADC officials to ensure the timely distribution of fertilisers and seeds to farmers.
Addressing its staff, he said: "The current working environment is favourable. Now is the time for good deeds. If corruption persists, the country cannot make progress. Cleanse yourselves and work for the betterment of the nation."
The event was also attended by Dr Nurun Nahar Chowdhury, agriculture additional secretary, and Abdullah Sazzad, chairman of BADC.

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