Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today inaugurated the harvesting of boro paddy in Dinajpur. Photo: BSS

DINAJPUR, May 08, 2025 (BSS) - Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today inaugurated the harvesting of boro paddy at Mokhlespur village in Biral upazila here.

He inaugurated the harvest of BRRIdhan-88 at the field of local farmer Md Amij Uddin.

Highlighting past numbers of population, the adviser said, "Once, around seven crore people lived in this country . . . Today that number has risen to nearly 18 crore, but the amount of arable land has shrunk significantly."

"Despite this, our farmers have managed to double their yields through tireless work and the innovations introduced by the agriculture department. Their role in ensuring food security is crucial," he added.

Jahangir, who also serves as the home adviser, said the government is providing inclusive support to farmers to boost production of crops. As a result, farmers are significantly contributing to increased production of rice and other crops.

He also instructed the Chairman of the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority to keep water tariff bills for farmers within a tolerable level.

Replying to a query, Jahangir said there are no issues along the country's frontiers. "Farmers can continue agricultural activities, including harvesting, without any disruption in the border areas," he stated.

He added that security measures along the borders have been further strengthened.

Agriculture Secretary Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Director Md Mashiur Rahman, Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam, DIG of Rangpur Range Md Aminul Islam, Dinajpur Deputy Commissioner Md Rafiqul Islam, Superintendent of Police Md Maruf Hossain, and DAE Dinajpur District Deputy Director Md Afzal Hossain, among others, were present at the event.

Farmer Md Amij Uddin, 72, said he cultivated the improved paddy variety BRRIdhan-88 on two acres of land, and the yield has been excellent this season.
 
Later, the adviser attended a law and order meeting at the conference room of the district administration.