The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Agriculture today (16 September) expressed concern over the indiscriminate use of pesticides on soil and crops in the country.
The committee discussed the need to move away from the conventional use of fertilisers and pesticides, and increase the use of organic fertilisers instead of chemical fertilisers to maintain soil quality.
The issues were discussed at the maiden meeting of the committee held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with its Chairman Md Shahadat Hossain in the chair.
Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid attended the meeting at the invitation of the committee chairman.
In his remarks, the minister expressed optimism about reducing the country’s dependence on imports of ginger, chillies, tomato, onion and various other agricultural and agro-based products by increasing domestic production and making the sector export-oriented.
He also said the current government is the first to start working to maintain soil quality.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture informed the meeting that more fertiliser has been supplied to farmers at the field level this year compared to previous years.
The minister said efforts were made to bring greater transparency into the appointment of fertiliser dealers and, to this end, the Fertiliser Dealer Appointment and Fertiliser Distribution Guidelines 2026 were issued.
The meeting also discussed strengthening the monitoring system for fertiliser distribution, ensuring farmer-friendly fertiliser management, and establishing a flower research centre and a soil research centre at Godkhali in Jashore.
Other issues that came up for discussion included cotton production on abandoned land in hilly and plain areas, cultivation of maize, sweet potato and groundnut on char lands, use of solar power in agriculture, sending farmers abroad for advanced training when necessary, ensuring fair prices for jute at the farmer level, and exports of jute and jute products.
Committee Chairman Shahadat Hossain said many of the government’s successes depend on the activities of the Ministry of Agriculture.
He expressed hope that the ministry will work more dynamically and called upon all concerned to work together to build a sustainable and environment-friendly agricultural system and enhance the government’s image.
Committee members Md Shohidul Islam, Md Mostafizur Rahman, Md Rokon Uddin Babul, Md Mujibur Rahman Choudhury, Sabira Sultana, Md Golam Rasul and Md Abdul Bari Sarder attended the meeting.
The agriculture secretary, heads of the ministry’s subordinate departments and agencies were present.
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