New agri minister for higher crop productivity, market syndicate control

Newly appointed Agriculture Minister Md Abdus Shahid has said that all necessary measures will be taken for the welfare of farmers.

To do this, utmost priority will be given to increasing crop production and effectively controlling market syndicates, he said.

He was speaking during a meeting with officials from the ministry and its affiliated institutes in the ministry's conference room on Sunday, the first working day since taking charge of the ministry, said a press release.

Identifying the increasing production as the foremost challenge in agriculture, the minister underscored the ministry’s critical role in market capture, price control, and the smooth functioning of the demand and supply chain.

Aligning with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's directive to bring every piece of cultivable land into active use, he said that all available opportunities to boost crop production.

He said that forceful measures might not work and so strategic actions would be taken to effectively control syndicates and gradually weaken their influence.

Mr Shahid added that everything within the government's power would be done to foster the continued growth of farmers and the agricultural sector.

Acknowledging the significance and vast scope of the agriculture ministry, the minister encouraged collective efforts from officials, employees, and entrepreneurs.

Collaborative work can yield positive outcomes, offering resilience against challenges in the agriculture sector, he added.

The minister directed the ministry officials and others from affiliated institutes to work diligently and devotedly towards the shared goal of increasing crop production.

The exchange meeting, chaired by Agriculture Secretary Wahida Akter, saw the participation of officials from various levels within the ministry and heads of 18 organisations affiliated with the ministry.

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