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BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday said to ensure food security, the country must do region-wise mapping of crops.
If Bangladesh fails to reduce dependence on food imports, it will fall victim to global political pressures, he said.
Mr Amir Khasru made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the third-day session of a four-day international conference titled "Political Commitment to Agriculture and Food" organised by the Bangladesh Agricultural Journalists Forum (BAJF) at the CIRDAP auditorium in the city.
He also observed that government agencies were acting foolishly by fixing the prices of agricultural products. The market should be allowed to operate naturally.
Mr Amir Khasru said Bangladesh has made progress in agriculture, but there has been no real revolution.
He also said that many reforms take place in the country, but people do not receive the benefits. Fixing prices for farmers' produces is unwise, he said.
The session was chaired by BAJF President Sahanoware Said Shahin and moderated by BAJF General Secretary Abu Khalid.
Mr Khasru said agriculture still provides the highest amount of employment in the country and has ensured food security.
He added the government aims to create 10 million (one crore) jobs in 18 months, and agriculture is a major sector for achieving that goal.
PRAN-RFL Group Chairman and CEO Ahsan Khan Chowdhury said that significant changes are needed in agriculture; otherwise, national development will be hindered. Fish and poultry production must increase, and horticulture output should be expanded. For horticulture, Bangladesh can seek support from China.
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