President Md. Sahabuddin said, the main driving force of the economy of Bangladesh is agriculture. Rural development and modern agriculture are integral components of sustainable development. Therefore, to accelerate sustainable development, the development of agriculture and farmers must be ensured.

He said this in a speech given on Saturday on the occasion of 'Agriculture Important Person (AIP) Award 2021'.

The President welcomed the Ministry of Agriculture's initiative to award the 'Agricultural Person of Importance (AIP) Award 2021' in recognition of unique contributions in the field of agriculture.

Md. Sahabuddin said that despite the growing population of independent Bangladesh after the liberation war, climate change and other adversities, the agricultural sector is moving towards profitability and productivity.

He said that the country has achieved the target of food production through diversification and commercialization of agriculture. Besides, extensive irrigation, development of high-yielding varieties of crops, efficient market management and mechanization, policy reforms and agricultural research, export orientation of agriculture, investment in human capital etc. have enriched the agricultural sector. As a result, poverty is decreasing along with the economic development of the country.

The President said that Bangladesh has been able to ensure food security due to various farmer-friendly policies including the government's sponsorship of the agricultural sector, necessary financing, seamless fertilizer supply system, opportunity to purchase fertilizer at a low price compared to the international market, supply of agricultural machinery at an affordable price, incentives, during the economic recession in the world.

He said that Bangladesh currently ranks first in the world in jute export, second in jute and jackfruit production, third in rice production for four consecutive times, third in vegetable and onion production, and seventh in mango and potato production. The real claimants of this success of agriculture are the farmers, agricultural extensionists, agronomists, entrepreneurs, exporters and all the stakeholders.

Sahabuddin said, every year the Ministry of Agriculture, agricultural production or establishment of commercial farms and agricultural processing industries, agricultural innovation breeds/technologies, recognition or government-registered agricultural crops/fishery/livestock/forestry sub-sector organizations, Bangabandhu Agriculture Award gold medalist and exportable agricultural products production- These five categories are awarded by the Agriculture Important Person (AIP), which deserves appreciation.

The Head of State believes that awarding these meritorious persons will give more encouragement to the people and institutions related to the agricultural sector and will accelerate the development of the country's agricultural sector.

He extended his best wishes and warm congratulations to all the recipients of the 'Agricultural Person of Importance (AIP) Award-2021' and wished for overall success of the award ceremony.

Source: Bass.