The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Agriculture sector and the sectors that impact on agriculture will get top priority in the upcoming budget. The Government is also considering to increase endowment fund for agriculture research and retain the tax holiday facility for the poultry sector.

This was stated by Finance and Planning Adviser Dr Mirza AB Azizul Islam at a pre-budget discussion meeting titled 'Agriculture Budget, Farmers' Budget' organised by Channel-i at the NEC conference room in the city, yesterday.

Channel-i director Shykh Siraj put forward a set of recommendations based on the information and farmers' demands he gathered from the grassroots-level discussions in five districts since April 18 for accommodation in the new budget.

Agriculture and Water Resources Adviser Dr CS Karim, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Fisheries and Livestock Manik Lal Samaddar, agriculture researchers, academics, economists, senior journalists and representatives from farmers, fisheries and livestock sectors took part in the discussion.

Speakers stressed the need for developing market mechanism for agricultural products. They suggested the government to be cautious so that cultivable lands do not decrease following their use for other purpose.