India has expressed keen interest to make investments in assembling and manufacturing of farm machinery in Bangladesh, as the country's traditional farm sector is rapidly switching toward mechanisation, reports BSS.
"Steps will be taken in this regard as the Indian agro-machinery manufacturing companies, including the world's largest tractor manufacturer Mahindra and Mahindra, would come here for investment," said newly appointed Indian High Commissioner Vikram Kumar Doraiswami.
The Indian envoy came up with the assurance as he paid a courtesy call on Agriculture Minister Dr M Abdur Razzaque at his office in the city on Wednesday.
During the meeting, they discussed various aspects, including agriculture, agro-processing, seed technology and dairy processing of both the countries.
Dr Razzaque said, "Indian agro-machinery giants have a huge scope to invest in Bangladesh as they can manufacture and assemble farm equipment and spare parts locally by setting up industries here."
Bangladesh is rapidly marching toward farm mechanisation and modernisation of the sector as the government has taken a project involving nearly Tk 30 billion to this end, the minister added.
Agriculture Secretary M Meshbahul Islam also was present.
Seeking Indian cooperation, the agriculture minister said Bangladesh is lagging behind in terms of processing of agricultural commodity and marketing. "So, we need cooperation from India in these areas."
"We need Indian assistance in imparting training to the scientists, seed technology, BT cotton, maize, cashew, supplying of high quality plant species, milking process, agro-processing and farm mechanization," Dr Razzaque said.
Terming India the real friend of Bangladesh, he said, "Bangladesh has deep relations with India and I strongly believe that our relations would remain intact… and the cooperation would be enhanced further in all spheres, including economic, social and cultural arenas."
Lauding the success of Bangladesh in the agriculture sector, the Indian high commissioner said, "Bangladesh has not only achieved success in food sufficiency but also has a capacity to export a number of food products."
Regarding the onion export to Bangladesh, VK Doraiswami said India has recently allowed export of 20,000 tonnes of onions to Bangladesh and the volume would be enhanced after improving the climate condition.
India imposed embargo on onion export as the country has been facing production deficiency and price hike due to flood and heavy downpour in Maharashtra and Karnataka, he added.
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