-The Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) said on Wednesday that there is an urgent need to ensure quality seeds and modern storage facility to increase agricultural production.

 

FBCCI president Mahbubul Alam said this while speaking at a discussion meeting of the standing committee on agriculture, agro-processing and agro-based industries at FBCCI's Motijheel office on Wednesday.

 

He said that to achieve the desired productivity in agriculture, businessmen of this sector have given special importance to the availability of good quality high-yielding seeds at the farmer level, strengthening the food innovation process and climate-tolerant varieties and research.

 

Besides, businessmen emphasised on agricultural mechanisation, establishment of specialised cold storage facilities, improved supply system and processing of agricultural products to reduce production costs.

 

“We need to focus on research to improve seed quality. Also, more attention should be paid to the use of technology. As technology improves in agriculture, productivity will increase,” said the FBCCI president.

 

He said that farmers should be assured of getting a fair price of produce while policies should be implemented to protect their interests.

 

Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, chairman of the committee and chairman of Pran RFL Group, highlighted the importance of ensuring maximum utilisation of agricultural land and increasing productivity keeping in mind of future food security and growing demand.

 

Apart from traditional crops, he suggested increasing the production of horticulture, fisheries, livestock, and poultry including pulses and oilseeds.