Agriculture and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid spoke today as chief guest at a workshop of the SRDI held at its auditorium in Khamarbari, Dhaka. PID

DHAKA, June 10, 2026 (BSS) –Agriculture and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid has underscored the urgent need for  restoration of soil fertility.

"Excessive use of chemical fertilizers has increased soil acidity and degraded soil health across the country," he said.

The minister made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at the annual technical workshop of the Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI) held at its auditorium in Khamarbari, Dhaka, today.

The minister said that restoring soil pH levels is essential for ensuring sustainable agricultural development. 

Strengthening soil fertility would significantly boost the agriculture sector, he said, adding that which supports the livelihoods of nearly 75 percent of the country’s population.

He called upon agricultural scientists to take a proactive role in addressing soil degradation and developing effective, science-based solutions.

Referring to Bangladesh’s agricultural potential, he said, “While many of the world’s wealthiest countries remain covered in snow for much of the year, Bangladesh enjoys year-round crop production. We must fully utilise this opportunity.”

The minister stressed the need for collective efforts to secure a sustainable future for the next generation, emphasising that safeguarding soil health and agriculture is a shared national responsibility.

“We must work together to ensure a better Bangladesh and a better world for future generations,” he said.

He further suggested that targeted research initiatives be completed within the next two years to restore soil health. 

He proposed focused studies on selected land plots, including identification of highly acidic soils with a pH level of around 4.5, to develop practical soil improvement strategies.

Highlighting concerns over pesticide use, the minister noted that excessive and unregulated application of pesticides is contributing to environmental degradation, affecting soil quality, crop productivity, weather patterns and human health.

He observed that while pesticides are used globally, Bangladesh must strengthen monitoring and quality control mechanisms to ensure safe and appropriate usage.

The workshop was chaired by Additional Secretary (Extension) of the Ministry of Agriculture Md. Selim Khan. 

Among others present were Chairman of the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority Agriculturist Md. Hasan Zafir Tuhin, Professor Golam Hafiz Kennedy of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension Md. Abdul Rahim and former Director General of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam.