Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) jointly organized a workshop on “Sustainable Crop Production”. The Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Saidul Islam was present as the chief guest in the workshop. This workshop was held on September 18, 2022 in a hotel in the capital. Ministry of Agriculture, International Rice Research Institute, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Directorate of Agriculture Extension and other heads and high level representatives were present in the workshop. Chairman of BADC AFM Hayatullah presided over the workshop.
In the speech of the chief guest, Agriculture Secretary Saidul Islam said that there is no alternative to the development of agriculture to ensure food security and nutrition, achieve the goals and objectives of SDG and make Bangladesh a more prosperous and developed country. The beginning of agricultural development began during the era of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the Bengali nation.
It was during his rule that modern agricultural systems, import of high-quality seeds from abroad and modern irrigation systems were introduced. Soon after independence, Bangabandhu called for a green revolution. He visited the Krishi Bhawan of BADC on 31 May 1972 and advised the officials.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been consistently providing assistance to the agricultural sector to implement Bangabandhu's dream more firmly. In continuation of this, all the agricultural inputs, fertilizers, quality seeds are being provided to the farmers at affordable prices on time through the present government.
In his speech, the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture also said that the issue of paddy production is closely related to our way of life. Bangladesh ranks third in the world in rice production. However, Bangladesh has not yet achieved self-sufficiency in fruit production. Our agricultural system is facing various challenges including changing climate, overpopulation, natural calamities, shortage of quality seeds compared to demand. BADC as a government agency continues to play an important role in the production of quality seeds. He emphasized on developing new varieties of quality rice in accordance with the needs of farmers, reducing dependence on oil crops, innovating new technologies and developing efficient management in order to build a modern agricultural system. In this regard, he requested international organizations, especially IRI, to play a more important role in order to speed up research activities.
Workshop President and Chairman BADC said in his speech that paddy is not only a crop but also a refuge. There is no substitute for rice to ensure food security and survive properly. BADC is taking effective steps in line with the objectives and action plans adopted by the government. He said that 29 varieties have been developed under the initiative of BADC's research cell in a short period of time. Out of this 10 potatoes, 17 crops, 01 oil crops and 01 vegetable crops. He expressed hope that steps will be taken to accelerate the research program of BADC. In addition, scientists from various organizations expressed their opinions in the workshop.
