Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the people of the country don’t have to suffer if a fresh flood hits the country this monsoon, as there are sufficient food in stock.

“The government has overcome the flood and other natural disasters through fair management. But I’m hearing footsteps of flood one more time”, she said.

“We have one crore and six lakh metric tonnes of food in stock. More foods are being imported.”

The Prime Minister was addressing at the prize distributing ceremony of ‘Bangabandhu Jatiya Krishi Purashkar’ (Bangabandhu National Agriculture Award) for Bengali year 1421 and 1422 at Osmani Memorial Hall in Dhaka Sunday (July 16).

A total of 64 persons were honored with the prestigious prizes for their remarkable contribution in agriculture.

However, emphasizing over more agricultural efforts, Sheikh Hasina said the agricultural production including of fish, meat, egg and milk should be enhanced as to the country can export those abroad after fulfilling inland demand.

“We are taking measures keeping pace with the enhanced demand of foods”, she said adding that her government is working for ensuring food safety.

Urging everybody to give attention to optimum utilization of the surface water and reduce dependence on groundwater, she said people should be made aware about climate change, protection of water bodies and other natural sources of water.

Sheikh Hasina further said that agricultural lands should be protected from urbanization and unplanned industrialization.

She added that her government has undertaken plans to set up 100 economic zones across the country where export oriented and processing industries based on local agricultural produces would be given priority. The economic zones would the hub of small, medium and large scale industries, she said.

However, Agriculture minister Matia Chowdhury presided over the program while Minister for Environment and Forests Anwar Hossain Monju was present as special guest. Agriculture Secretary Moinuddin Abdullah conducted the award distribution ceremony.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email