The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Scientists, experts and farmers on Friday called for formulation of a long-term sustainable agriculture plan to boost output side by side protecting health and livelihood of the people and environment and ecology in the country by stopping the use of harmful pesticides and toxic chemicals.

They also underscored the need for pesticide-free agriculture through continuous research and marketing of environment-friendly cultivation methods and technologies, land use planning and ensuring fair prices for agricultural output.

They were participating a roundtable on " Hazardous Chemical- free agricultural technology: Role of the Media" organised by Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) and Forum of Environmental Journalists of Bangladesh (FEJB) at National Press Club here.

UNESCAP's former environment division chief Dr Rezaul Karim, director general of BARI Md Nasir Uddin, former director general of BJRI Dr Ameerul Islam, IRRI scientist Dr Joynal Abedin, Dhaka University Prof Dr ABM Faruque, noted physician Prof Dr Hasina Banu, Aranyak Foundation executive director Dr Fariduddin Ahmed, former director of BARC Dr Gul Hossain, farmers Nazrul Islam Khan, Ayub Hosain, Mohan Kumer, former WHO expert Tapan Kumer Nath, TV presenter Rezaul Karim and journalist Qamruzzaman took part in the roundtable.

BARI scientist Dr Syed Nurul Alam made the keynote presentation while it was moderated by FEJB chairman Quamrul Islam Chowdhury.

They pointed out the adverse impacts of over use of harmful pesticides across the country making lives of millions of farmers and consumers at risk.

They said, because of the adverse impacts of pesticides, the people had to incur a significant portion of their family income as well as national budget.

The farmers demanded government support for proper marketing of pesticide-free agricultural produces including setting up of earmarked places and markets.

They also urged the journalists to highlight the success stories of the farmers and scientists in the national print and electronic media.

A large number of journalists, farmers, experts and scientists took part in the roundtable.