Agriculture Adviser Lt. Gen. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.) said that importance should be given to agriculture to ensure economic development without discrimination.
The advisor said this while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar organized on the occasion of World Soil Day 2024 at the Agricultural Research Council auditorium at Khamarbari in the capital on Thursday.
The advisor said, “The agricultural sector has to play a leading role in reducing the unemployment rate of the country. If the 70 percent of people who depend on agriculture in the country cannot smile, real economic development without discrimination is not possible.
The advisor said, “experimental research should be increased in the agricultural sector. The results of each research should reach the farmers. Special care should be taken to ensure that fertile agricultural land does not go to non-agricultural sector in the name of industrialization.”
The advisor added, “We have been giving huge amount of subsidy to the fertilizer sector every year. It is also a matter of thinking how long it is possible to keep this subsidy running in the current global reality under the conditions of fertilizer allocation. Research on how to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers needs to be intensified.”
the advisor urged the agriculturists to be more careful in conserving reservoirs, adopting rainwater harvesting systems, protecting and afforesting forests, adopting natural farming methods through proper research, ensuring proper use and reuse of soil.
The advisor said, ”farming is now being done on a cooperative basis in Bangladesh. Agriculture is being commercialized through mechanization. Various projects have been taken up for the production of nutritious and safe food. The success of all these activities will depend on the good health of the soil. As our population continues to grow and arable land shrinks, the challenge of producing more food must be met through improved varieties and increased cropping intensities.”
Former Professor of Soil Science Department of Bangladesh Agricultural University presented the main article in the event. M. Zahir Uddin.
Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture. Dr. Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian, the representative of Bangladesh, attended the event as a guest. Zhouqin Shi.
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How can technology be leveraged to support sustainable agriculture and rural advancement, according to agricultural experts like Lt. Gen. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Agriculture Expert Lt. gen. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.)
Editor (time.news): Good day, everyone! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with an esteemed expert in agriculture and economic development, Lt. Gen. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.). Welcome to our platform, General.
Jahangir Alam Chowdhury: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right into it. You recently emphasized that prioritizing agriculture is essential for economic development without discrimination. coudl you elaborate on why agriculture is so central to this process?
Jahangir alam Chowdhury: Certainly. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and plays a crucial role in ensuring food security, generating employment, and fostering rural development. By investing in agriculture, we not only boost our economy but also empower farmers and rural communities, ensuring that growth is inclusive and equitable.
Editor: inclusivity is a key point. Many developing nations struggle with a divide between urban and rural areas. How do you propose we bridge that gap?
Jahangir Alam Chowdhury: Bridging that gap requires targeted policies that support rural development.This includes improving access to markets, education, and technology for farmers. We must ensure that agricultural productivity increases while also providing the needed infrastructure to connect rural farmers to urban markets. This will create a win-win situation for both sectors.
Editor: That’s an insightful approach. in terms of technology, how can innovative solutions be integrated into agriculture to ensure sustainable development?
Jahangir Alam Chowdhury: Technology plays a transformative role in agriculture. precision farming, for example, uses data analytics to enhance yields and reduce waste. By adopting smart irrigation systems and drought-resistant crops, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change. It’s about combining customary knowledge with modern technology to create a resilient agricultural sector.
Editor: Speaking of resilience, climate change poses significant threats to agriculture globally. How can farmers adapt to these changing conditions?
Jahangir Alam Chowdhury: Education and support are paramount. We need to disseminate knowledge about sustainable practices that can definitely help farmers adapt, such as crop diversification and organic farming.Moreover, governments and organizations must provide financial support and incentives to implement these practices, enabling farmers to build resilience against climate variability.
Editor: It sounds like a multi-faceted approach is necessary. as we wrap up, what message would you like to convey to policymakers regarding agriculture’s role in economic development?
Jahangir Alam Chowdhury: My message is simple: prioritize agriculture as a cornerstone of economic development. Investments in agriculture are investments in our future. When we uplift the agricultural sector, we uplift the entire economy and ensure that progress is felt by all, especially those in underserved communities.
Editor: thank you,General,for your insights and for sharing your vision for an equitable and sustainable agricultural future. We appreciate your time.
Jahangir Alam Chowdhury: Thank you for having me. it’s been a pleasure discussing these critically important issues with you.