Agriculture and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid stated that the government is prioritizing research-based agricultural development to create new rice varieties, aiming to mitigate the risks posed by climate change on agricultural production.
During a press interaction following a views-exchange meeting with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock in Cumilla, the minister revealed that BRRI Dhan-118, a cold-tolerant variety, will be introduced for the haor region in the next season. This variety will enable early transplantation and harvesting, helping farmers avoid losses from flash floods.
Amin Ur Rashid also mentioned that a new salt-tolerant rice variety is planned for release next year. The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) scientists are working on developing crop varieties that can withstand the adverse effects of climate change.
Regarding fish exports, the minister said that the possibility of exporting fish through Cumilla land port is under consideration. Initiatives will be taken after discussions with the commerce minister. He also discussed the potential establishment of a fish landing station in Cumilla, subject to a feasibility assessment and availability of suitable government land.
On vaccine production for livestock, the minister announced a major project to expand the existing vaccine production center, which will increase the production capacity for poultry and livestock vaccines, reducing import dependence and strengthening the livestock sector. Canal re-excavation activities are also progressing as planned.
To recover from recent flood losses, seeds and agricultural inputs have been distributed to affected farmers, and free vaccination programs have been conducted in flood-affected areas to protect livestock from diseases. Joint Secretary of the agriculture ministry Khorshed Alam and local government officials were present during the minister's remarks.
