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Agriculture adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Sunday that research is indispensable for attaining sustainable development of the agriculture sector.
"The government is giving top priority to research and development to enhance farm production," said Mr Chowdhury, who also serves as the home affairs adviser.
He also emphasised the need to conduct high-quality researches and to ensure that their findings reach farmers effectively to achieve desired agricultural growth.
The adviser made these remarks while addressing a discussion session at the inauguration of the newly-constructed Soil Building (Mrittika Bhaban) for the Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI) in the city's Khamarbari area, says a press release. The event was presided over by agriculture secretary Dr Mohammad Emad Ullah Mian.
The adviser stressed that all institutions under the agriculture ministry must consider top soil conservation while planning development projects.
He cautioned that no agricultural land should be lost due to construction activities.
Referring to the achievements of the agriculture sector, he said, "Since independence, agriculture has been the most successful sector. While land area remains fixed, the population continues to grow. Therefore, we must increase agricultural production."
He points out that the country still imports essential commodities such as edible oil, lentils, and chickpeas.
"We need to boost domestic production to reduce imports," he said. "Farmers usually cultivate crops that offer higher profitability," he added.
However, he emphasised the need to encourage farmers to grow non-traditional essential crops.
The adviser underscored the importance of planting fruit-bearing trees alongside afforestation efforts, particularly in the hill tracts.
Earlier, on the day, the adviser inaugurated the newly-constructed 'Mrittika Bhaban' (soil building for SRDI).