“If cattle can eat water hyacinth, why can’t we? So, we can think about this,” he said while addressing a seminar on Eco-friendly Economic Policy and Fruit Production based Nutrition in Bangladesh organised by Resource Development Foundation at NEC conference room-2.
Mannan said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her dissatisfaction many times for not conducting adequate research in different fields.
He also underscored the need for having more agriculture-based institutions in the country.
The minister put emphasis on ensuring clean water and fresh vegetables in the country. “Once we used to arrange big parties of pure jackfruits at our village home. But those days are gone now.”
He also called for reducing the post-harvest loss. “So, research is needed here, too.”
Dr Lutful Hassan, vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), urged the government to ensure safe food for all.
He also a person should eat at least 400 grams of vegetables and fruits every day. “But we don’t take it,” he lamented.
Dr Shamsul Alam, member (senior secretary) of the General Economic Division (GED) of Planning Commission, and Dr M Abdur Rahim, Prof of Horticulture Department of BAU, were given the Resource Development Award 2019 for their contributions to the development of the national economic policy and nutritional food support programmes of Bangladesh.
Besides, MS Study Grants Awards 2019 were also distributed among four students of BAU and Dhaka University.
Samia Luthfa, associate professor of DU Sociology department, and several BAU teachers and agricultural experts were present at the event.