News Flash
DHAKA, May 19, 2026 (BSS) - Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid today said the government is working to strengthen the economic capacity of farmers, stressing that the country's overall economic foundation is closely linked with farmers' socio-economic development.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled "National Budget 2026-27: Sustainable Development of Agriculture in Bangladesh" held at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council) auditorium in Dhaka, the minister said improving farmers' living standards is essential for sustainable national growth.
The seminar was organized by the Bangladesh Agricultural Economists Association (BAEA) and chaired by its President Ahsanuzzaman Lintu.
State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku and State Minister for Planning Md. Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki attended the event as special guests.
The Agriculture Minister said a lack of accurate demand data for agricultural products has often led to overproduction, resulting in wastage, market instability, and unfair pricing. He added that farmers frequently fail to receive fair prices for their produce, while consumers also face price instability.
He said the government's ongoing "Farmer Card" initiative is being piloted to address these challenges. Once fully implemented, the system will help plan production based on real demand, reduce waste, and ensure better outcomes for both farmers and consumers.
Emphasizing the importance of agricultural research, the minister said agriculture cannot advance without strong research support. He noted that while increasing budget allocations is important, effective utilization of existing resources is equally necessary.
He also announced that innovation and research achievements in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors will receive special recognition in the future.
The minister further said the government is working to modernize agriculture through structured planning, scientific methods, expanded crop varieties, mechanization, and improved marketing systems.
He stressed that strengthening farmers' economic resilience would ultimately reinforce the national economy, adding that sustainable profitability depends on clearer production planning and demand forecasting.
State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku said strengthening agriculture, livestock, and poultry sectors, along with improving the economic condition of marginalized groups, is essential for overall economic development.
State Minister Md. Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki said a national economic recovery strategy is being developed, outlining a three-phase approach-recovery, reconstruction, and transformation-with the goal of achieving a trillion-dollar economy by 2034.
