Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu announced plans on Friday to transform Lalmonirhat into a dedicated agricultural hub and the country’s official “Maize Capital.”
Speaking as the chief guest at the foundation stone-laying ceremony for Bhutta Chattar (Maize Square) near Mission Mor in Lalmonirhat town, the minister emphasized promoting local maize nationally and internationally to earn Geographical Indication (GI) recognition.
"From now on, we must embrace the vision 'Homes filled with maize, Lalmonirhat self-reliant,'" the minister said. He noted that maize farming across the fertile char (river island) lands of the Teesta and Dharla rivers has revolutionized the regional economy over the past decade.
Minister Dulu assured farmers that the government is expanding modern processing, storage and marketing networks to secure fair prices. Lalmonirhat's high-quality maize serves as a key raw material for Bangladesh's poultry, fisheries and dairy feed industries with surplus supply distributed nationwide.
Following the ceremony, the minister inaugurated infrastructure development projects worth approximately Tk.3 crore in Mogalhat Union including the construction of two rural roads aimed at easing the transport of agricultural produce to major markets.
The event was attended by Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Md. Rashedul Haque Prodhan, District Council Administrator A.K.M. Mominul Haque, Superintendent of Police Asaduzzaman alongside local government officials, political leaders and farmers.
