Agriculture Products to Be Main Export, Says Minister

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said the government's key goal is to make agricultural products Bangladesh's main export item also citing the country's rare ability to grow crops year-round.

"We live in a country where crops grow for twelve months. There are very few such countries in the world," he said, adding that the government is working to boost both production and export capacity so Bangladeshi agricultural goods can reach global markets.

The minister made the remarks while speaking to journalists during a visit to the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) in Gazipur on Monday, where he also attended a workshop.

On fertilizer supply, Rashid said stocks remain adequate and there is no shortage in the country. He accused a certain group of spreading rumors of a crisis to create artificial scarcity and sell fertilizer above fair prices, warning that the government is closely monitoring such activities.

Following the visit, the minister attended a meeting on the work of various agricultural institutions and a workshop reviewing internal research and program planning at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI). Discussions focused on strengthening agricultural research, boosting production and improving the quality of export-ready crops.

The event was attended by Agriculture Ministry Secretary Dr. Rafiqul Islam, along with agricultural scientists, teachers and officials from BARI.