New instt to boost maize, wheat production

Jatiya Sangsad (parliament) on Monday passed 'The Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute Bill, 2017' to set up an institute for conducting research on wheat and maize, seeking to boost their production in the country by innovating new technologies and varieties.

Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury moved the bill and it was passed by voice vote.

As per the Bill, the proposed institute will formulate policies for the development and production of wheat and maize and implement those.

A UNB report said the institute will also formulate an action plan for itself to conduct research activities, set up research laboratory, farms and infrastructures with modern facilities to boost wheat and maize production in the country.

Besides, the institute will collect and preserve Germ Plasm as well as provide necessary information to farmers to produce wheat and maize efficiently and impart them proper training.

The institute will conduct research over the adverse impacts of climate change on production of wheat and maize as well as protect the intellectual property rights of innovated technology and varieties of crops.

Earlier on October 31, 2016, the Cabinet approved the bill to set up a Wheat and Maize Research Institute.