Agriculture Minister Dr. Abdur Razzaque said the importance of agriculture in the overall economic development of an agricultural country like Bangladesh is immense.
The minister said, “Although the contribution of the agricultural sector to the GDP of Bangladesh has decreased as a percentage, its importance has not diminished. Agriculture is the main driving force to ensure food and nutrition security for all and alleviate poverty. In addition, the agriculture sector can play a vital role to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country.”
Dr. Abdur Razzaque made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at a webinar titled 'Role of Agriculture in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh' organised by the Agricultural Reporters Forum (ARF) from the Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday.
Asked whether the impact of the corona epidemic would hamper the achievement of SDGs in Bangladesh, the Agriculture Minister said “It was not yet time to comment on the issue. However, we will try not to hinder the achievement of SDGs. Despite coronavirus pandemic, the agricultural production of Bangladesh was not disrupted. Bangladesh's economy is in a better position than many other countries in the world. Bangladesh is moving towards a prosperous developed country. This has been made possible by the great leadership, courage, determination, wisdom and foresight of our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”
President of the Agricultural Reporters Forum (ARF) Md. Ashraf Ali presided over the programme. Chief Coordinator (SDG Affairs) of the Prime Minister's Office Juena Aziz, former Agriculture Secretary Anwar Faruqe, Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) Chairman Md. Sayedul Islam, Director General of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute Dr. Abdul Mueed, General Secretary of ARF, Maksudul Hasan were also spoke there. Faizul Siddiqui, Joint-Secretary of ARF presented the keynote paper.
