Govt to promote organic farming in char areas, says minister

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid on Sunday announced plans to introduce and promote organic farming in Bangladesh’s char regions to better utilise their agricultural potential and support export-oriented production.

He made the remarks at a views-exchange meeting with officials and department heads at the ministry conference room.

Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid, who also oversees the food, fisheries and livestock portfolios, said the vast char lands have fertile soil and favourable conditions for cultivating high-value organic crops at scale.

He emphasised the need to develop industrial-level production systems in these areas to maximise output and economic returns.

He said strengthening the agricultural base would contribute directly to national economic growth and food security.

The ministry, he added, would undertake initiatives to restructure and modernise the sector by reducing dependency on chemical fertilisers, improving soil health and expanding irrigation through canal excavation and better water management.

State Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku also spoke at the meeting.

He underscored the importance of ensuring that genuine farmers receive timely incentives, soft loans and necessary support to enhance productivity.

Tuku said the government has already begun issuing Farmer’s Cards to facilitate direct assistance and streamline subsidy distribution.

Agriculture Secretary Dr Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian chaired the programme, where officials discussed implementation strategies and coordination among relevant departments.