Agrilife24.com:The government is prioritizing research-driven agricultural development to introduce new climate-resilient rice varieties to tackle potential drops in crop yield caused by climate change, Fisheries, Livestock, and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid said today (1 August).
Speaking to reporters following a exchange-of-views meeting with officials from departments under Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock ministries at the Cumilla Circuit House, the minister announced that "BRRI Dhan-118" will be released for the Haor (wetland) regions in the upcoming season.
He noted that this cold-tolerant variety can be planted and harvested early, allowing farmers to gather their yield before flash floods strike, thereby significantly reducing crop damage.
Addressing questions on fish exports, Minister Amin Ur Rashid stated that the government is seriously considering the potential for exporting fish through the Cumilla land port. Necessary steps will be taken after discussions with the Commerce Minister, he added.
He further revealed that a salinity-tolerant rice variety is scheduled for release next year, praising scientists at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) for their tireless efforts to develop climate-adaptive crops.
Regarding marketing infrastructure, the minister mentioned that the government will assess the feasibility of establishing a fish landing station in Cumilla. A decision will be made if suitable government land is available. He emphasized that since Bangladeshi consumers prefer fresh freshwater fish, the government is focusing on modernizing marketing infrastructure alongside cold storage facilities.
Highlighting livestock development, the minister disclosed that a major expansion project is underway for existing vaccine production centers. Once completed, it will enable large-scale domestic production of vaccines for both livestock and poultry, reducing import dependence and bolstering the sector.
On canal re-excavation initiatives, he assured that ongoing projects under the Ministry of Agriculture are progressing on schedule, expressing confidence in meeting 100 percent of the targets next year.
Referring to recent flood relief efforts, the minister stated that seeds and essential agricultural inputs have already been distributed among affected farmers. Additionally, free vaccination drives for livestock have been conducted in flood-hit upazilas to prevent disease outbreaks in the post-flood period.
Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Md. Khorshed Alam, Deputy Commissioner Rosy Akter, Department of Agricultural Extension Director Md. Obaidur Rahman Mondal, Chittagong Divisional Fisheries Department Director Md. Anwar Hossain, along with senior officials and local political leaders, were present at the meeting.