Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid has reassured the nation that there is no shortage of fertilizer, warning of tough punitive action against those who attempt to create an artificial crisis by selling at higher prices than the government-fixed rate. During a visit to agricultural organizations in Joydebpur, Gazipur, the minister emphasized that the country has adequate fertilizer stocks and sufficient supplies are in the pipeline. He dismissed rumors of a shortage as baseless and highlighted that dishonest individuals are allegedly trying to manipulate the market. The government is closely monitoring the situation and will take strict action against any attempts to create an artificial crisis. The minister urged all concerned departments to work diligently to control market situations of daily essentials, including agricultural commodities.
Aminur Rashid also stressed the importance of timely and need-based agricultural research, commending organizations for developing beneficial new varieties and technologies for farmers. He noted the challenges posed by monsoon floods, particularly in the haor region, and instructed researchers to develop flood-tolerant rice varieties. A new flood-resistant rice variety, BRRI-118, has been developed and will be distributed to farmers in haor areas next season, aiming to mitigate crop losses caused by flash floods.
The minister underscored the need to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure modern packaging, preservation, processing, and quality control of products. He emphasized the importance of establishing agricultural products as major export items and strengthening the country's export capacity through international-standard packaging systems. Agriculture Secretary Dr. Rafiqul I Mohamed was present during the minister's visit. Later, the minister participated in views-exchange meetings with agricultural organizations and an internal research review workshop of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute as the chief guest.
