The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Agriculture Adviser Dr CS Karim on Friday said there is no alternative to knowledge and technologies in the agriculture sector to ensure food security in the country.

Describing that the future agriculture will be knowledge and technology-based, he said innovation of new technologies and knowledge is a must to make the country self-reliant in food.

The agriculture adviser was addressing as the chief guest the 10th founding anniversary function and the annual general meeting of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) Bahumukhi Samobay Samity Ltd at the DRU conference room here.

Rural Development and Cooperatives Division Secretary ATM Fazlul Haque and DRU President Alamgir Hossain were present at the function as special guests.

With President of DRU Bahumukhi Samobay Samity Ltd Ashraf Ali in the chair, the function was also addressed, by its General Secretary Mohshinul Karim Lebu.

Keeping in mind the climate change, the agriculture adviser said, a long-term plan will have to be taken to check its adverse impacts on agriculture.

He said the government has taken a plan to set up a market at every union in the country and it will have a link with the district headquarters so that farmers get fair prices of their produces. Placing emphasis on strengthening cooperatives movement in the country, Dr Karim said integrated pest management (IPM) clubs should be built keeping similarity with cooperatives society. "If the farmers are encouraged in cooperatives they would benefit to a greater extent," he opined.

Mentioning massive success in agriculture sector, the agriculture adviser said a total of 1.86 crore metric tons of Boro paddy was produced this year which is 17 percent more than the previous year.

"A silent revolution took place in different fields, including empowerment of farmers and women," he added.

Dr Karim called upon the journalists to project more success stories of the farmers as well as the grassroots people. "We have social responsibilities and we have to be come out from vicious circle of lacking," he said.