Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid on Friday said ensuring the welfare of farmers and marginal people is one of the main election pledges of the current government.
He said improving the lives of farmers and marginal communities will help uplift the living standards of the country’s largest population group and strengthen the national economy.
The minister made the remarks while speaking at a meeting with officials of the fisheries and livestock, agriculture and food ministry departments of the Cumilla region at the Cumilla Circuit House conference room.
He said people have placed their trust in the current government to work for the overall welfare of the country and its citizens, especially hardworking people and farmers.
He added that the government has given the highest priority to agriculture as around 70 percent of the population is directly or indirectly linked to the sector.
The minister said development of agriculture will strengthen the financial base of a large section of people and make the national economy more resilient.
Addressing field-level officials, he urged them to raise farmers’ awareness about soil health, pH levels, efficient use of fertilisers and modern technology.
He said maintaining proper soil pH can significantly reduce fertiliser use and production costs.
He stressed the need for officials to give direct advice and guidance to farmers at the grassroots level.
Although he recently took oath as a minister, he said he has long been directly involved in farming and has first-hand experience of the sector’s challenges and potential.
He noted that agriculture production, storage, food management, fisheries and livestock were previously run separately, creating coordination gaps. Steps have now been taken to bring these sectors under an integrated framework, in line with the government’s latest policy direction.
The minister said while governments serve for fixed terms, field-level officials remain in service for much longer.
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Their responsibility and sincere cooperation are crucial to ensure sustainable development, he added.
Replying to a question, he said establishment of the Cumilla division and stopping illegal soil extraction from the Gomti River are among his top priorities.
The government will follow a zero-tolerance policy on illegal soil extraction and will not allow even a single handful of soil to be taken illegally, he said, urging the administration to act firmly with public cooperation.
Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan chaired the meeting.
Among others, Director General of the Department of Fisheries Dr Abdur Rauf, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Dr Abu Sufian, Superintendent of Police Md Anisuzzaman, and senior officials from the fisheries and livestock, agriculture and food departments were present.