Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Md Shahab Uddin, said there is no alternative but to make people aware of the harmful effects of climate change, including salinity, in overcoming various problems.
“To sustain agricultural production in the saline soil areas of the country, science-based sustainable agricultural practices and technological innovations must be brought in this sector. Investment and research should be increased to prevent soil erosion,” he said.
The minister made the remarks while addressing a programme organised on the occasion of "World Soil Day 2021" at Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon on Sunday.
The Environment Minister said in order to continue the economic development of the country, it is necessary to maintain good soil health to produce more crops from limited land.
He further said, “Due to the continuous use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, various biodiversity including fish is being destroyed in the rivers and reservoirs of the country. Human beings and plants are being seriously hampered due to this. Soil health needs to be ensured by involving the people and raising public awareness on tackling soil salinity and protecting biodiversity.”
The discussion was presided over by Bidhan Kumar Bhandar, Director General of Soil Resources Development Institute.
Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzaque, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Md Mesbahul Islam and heads of various departments and agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture were present at the programme.
