“It’ll have to undertake big pragmatic projects in the agricultural sector to face the possible food crisis likely to be caused by this disaster (coronavirus),” he said while addressing a meeting of his ministry through virtual channel from his residence.

The meeting was arranged to review the progress of development projects being implemented by the Agriculture Ministry under the Annual Development Programmes (ADP), said a handout.  

Agriculture Secretary Md Nasiruzzaman moderated the meeting attended by high officials of the ministry and agencies concerned as well as the project directors.

The Minister put emphasis on increasing agricultural production to protect the lives of people in face of this corona crisis. “If there is food in houses, the lives of the people can be saved no matter how badly the economy will be affected this time.”    

He said the Agriculture Ministry has relentlessly been implementing the directives of the Prime Minister from the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak.

Dr Abdur Razzaque stressed the need for new technology and innovation of new variety of crops as well as increasing production of saline-tolerant rice in the country’s coastal areas.

About the implementation progress of the ministry’s development projects, Md Nasiruzzaman said 78 projects involving Tk 1763.94 crore are being implemented by Agriculture Ministry under the revised ADP for 2019-20 fiscal year.

In the meeting, it was informed that the implementation rate of the projects is 59 percent in the 11 months till May 2020, as Tk 1042.56 crore was spent.

The Ministry has already designed a project involving Tk 174.98 crore to produce vegetables and fruits aiming to ensure optimum utilization of house areas and uncultivated fallen lands in the line with the directives of the Prime Minister.

The project will soon be sent to the Planning Commission for approval.