The government will take initiatives to raise farmers’ awareness and provide training to control pesticide use in a bid to ensure safe food production, Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid said Thursday.
“Excessive use of pesticides is increasing serious health risks, including cancer and various physical complications among farmers,” the minister said at the sixth meeting of the Governing Body of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) at the BARC conference room.
The minister stressed the need for proper use of natural and organic fertilisers, saying it would help keep soil, the environment, water and fish safe.
He also called for research to determine whether the rising presence of heavy metals in soil is linked to groundwater, fertilisers or pesticide use.
Referring to the declining soil pH level in many parts of the country, Aminur said it has dropped to between 4.5 and 5 in some areas, whereas a pH level above 6.5 is considered necessary for good crop production.
“Improving soil pH to above 6.5 can help increase crop production and further ensure safe food production,” he said, adding that the Ministry of Agriculture is working on the issue.
On meeting the country’s protein demand, the minister said Bangladesh is now almost self-sufficient in meat production.
He stressed expanding research and related activities to further increase production, saying Bangladesh could potentially export meat and meat products worth billions of dollars in the future if production is increased.
The minister also said the government is rewarding those making significant contributions to freshwater fish production.
At the same time, he said various measures, including establishing fish sanctuaries, are being taken to increase and conserve fish from natural sources.
Aminur stressed the need for regular monitoring to ensure implementation of decisions taken at such meetings.
He also called for making greater use of researchers’ knowledge and expertise in formulating national policies in the interests of the country.
“The government wants to make the best possible use of the expertise of researchers and their research findings,” he said.
The minister also stressed making the ‘Khamari’ mobile app more popular to bring crop production-related services and advice to farmers and other beneficiaries at their doorsteps.
He urged the authorities concerned to take effective initiatives to ensure wider use of the app so farmers can easily access necessary agricultural advice.
Speaking at the meeting, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo said various government institutions are doing excellent work in research.
He praised their contributions to developing new varieties and increasing production in the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors.
He said private research institutions are also making various innovations alongside government bodies, stressing the need to consider how such innovations could be utilised in the national interest.