Dhaka, Aug 19 (V7N) – Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Mohammad Aminur Rashid today said farmers will be given training to raise awareness on the use of pesticides to ensure safe food production, warning that excessive pesticide use has been increasing health risks, including cancer and other serious complications.
The minister, who is also the Chairman of the Governing Body of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), made the remarks at the 16th meeting of its governing body at the BARC conference room.
Excessive use of pesticides has been increasing health risks including cancer and other serious health complications among the farmers, he said, adding that initiatives will be taken to raise awareness and provide training on proper and controlled use of pesticides. The minister said proper use of natural and organic fertilizers would help keep the soil, environment, water and fish safe.
"Bangladesh is almost self-sufficient in meat production. To further increase production in this sector, the scope and activities of research must be expanded," he said, adding that increased production could create opportunities for Bangladesh to export meat and meat products worth billions of dollars in the future.
He praised those contributing significantly to freshwater fish production and said the government is rewarding such contributions. At the same time, he said various initiatives, including establishing fish sanctuaries, were being taken to increase and conserve fish from natural sources.
The minister expressed concern over the increasing presence of heavy metals in soil and called for research to determine whether the rise was linked to groundwater, fertilizers or pesticide use. He also described the pH level of soil in many areas as worrying, noting that currently some areas range between 4.5 and 5, whereas a pH above 6.5 is considered desirable. Raising soil pH above 6.5 could increase crop yields and further ensure safe food production, he said, adding that the Ministry of Agriculture is working on the issue.
The minister stressed the need to regularly monitor and ensure implementation of decisions taken at meetings. He said researchers' knowledge and research findings should be utilized in the national interest when formulating national policies. He also emphasized making the 'Khamari' mobile app more popular so that crop-production-related services and advice could reach farmers at their doorsteps.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister and co-chairman of the governing body Abdul Awal Mintoo said various government institutions are doing excellent work in agricultural research, praising their contributions to develop new varieties and increase production in the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors. He said private research institutions are also making various innovations alongside government institutions and how these could be utilized in national interest should also be given due consideration.
Among others, Member of Parliament from Narayanganj-5 constituency Abul Kalam, reserved women's seat lawmaker Shirin Sultana, Planning Commission Member Md Mahmudul Hossain Khan, Agriculture Secretary Md Selim Khan, Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain, Bangladesh Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr A.K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan and senior officials from various agencies, universities and research institutions attended the meeting.
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