No compomise will be made on seed quality as seed is the main element of agricultural production. At the same fertilizer and seed prices will not increase in the future to maintain agricultural production in the country.
“The main material of agricultural production is seed. Quality seed is essential for good yield and productivity. Therefore, no compromise will be made on seed quality,” Agriculture Minister and Awami League (AL) Presidium Member Md Abdur Razzaque said.
The minister said these while addressing the inaugural session of the three-day 'Bangladesh Seed Congress-2023' at Bangabandhu International Conference Center here as the chief guest on Saturday.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Bangladesh Seed Association (BSA) are jointly organizing the congress.
Razzaque urged the public and private institutions to work together for building cent percent confidence among farmers about using seeds.
About buying low-quality seeds, he asked Bangladesh Seed Association to play a responsible role in gaining cent percent confidence of farmers in purchasing quality-seeds.
He directed the agriculture department's officials to strictly monitor to ensure quality seeds.
The minister said that the officials should work with sincerity and dedication to this end.
He said that private seed companies are playing an important role in agricultural production and the government will provide all necessary supports to the seed association.
Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Wahida Akhter attended the seed congress as special guest while International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Director General Jean Balié, FAO Representative in Bangladesh Robert D Simpson, Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA) President Manish Patel and Secretary General of the International Seed Federation Michael Keller also spoke on the occasion, among others, as guests of honor.
President of Bangladesh Seed Association M Anis Ud Dowla presided over the programme while its General Secretary Humayun Kabir gave welcome speech on the occasion.