He said this at an exchange meeting with farmers and officials during an inspection of mango and litchi orchards in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj, areas where ginger, summer green chillies and tomatoes are cultivated using modern methods, and the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) irrigation project. He said the government is working to ensure fair prices for farmers and to transform agriculture from import dependence into an export-oriented sector. The production of goods that are imported will be increased to move away from imports.
The minister said the country has to import nearly 150,000 tonnes of ginger every year. If ginger cultivation is increased in the empty spaces of mango orchards, import dependence will decrease and farmers will earn additional income. He directed agriculture officials to take measures after assessing soil suitability for this purpose.
Noting that initiatives to use river water for irrigation will be expanded to reduce pressure on groundwater, he said a large project for this purpose has been sent for the next stage of approval. Work is also underway on the possibility of setting up cold storage for mango preservation in the Rajshahi region, so that the storage period can be extended and seasonal price falls can be prevented.
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Referring to progress toward self-sufficiency in onions, the minister said the government is giving special priority to increasing production of ginger, garlic and monsoon tomatoes. Initiatives will be taken from the next season to expand monsoon tomato cultivation. The government's goal is to establish Bangladesh as an exporter of agricultural products.
Senior officials of the local administration and relevant departments, representatives of BMDA and farmers were present at the time.