Not even one kilogram of green chilli will need importing next season, agriculture minister says in Chapainawabganj

Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid has said green chillies still have to be imported outside the season in Bangladesh, but imports have fallen. 'I hope that next season not even one kilogram of green chilli will need to be imported,' he said.

On Thursday (5 November) at noon, the minister visited a tomato field in the Hosendanga area of Jhilim Union in Chapainawabganj. He made the remarks at an exchange meeting with local farmers afterwards.

The agriculture minister said: 'Despite being an agricultural country, various farm products including onions, ginger and green chillies have to be imported. These products are still being imported. But the government wants gradually to move away from import dependence and export agricultural products.'

Highlighting Chapainawabganj's importance for mango production, the minister said a specific process must be followed to export mangoes. A special type of machine is needed to test mangoes and ensure they are free of insects. The government has procured that machine and it will be started before the mangoes ripen.

He also said the government has completed the preparations needed for mango exports. From next season there will be no further problem with mango exports and quality control.

Earlier, after visiting sack ginger cultivation in the Hosendanga area, the agriculture minister spoke to journalists. He said the BNP is a farmer-friendly government; agriculture was given special importance from the time of the party's founder, martyred President Ziaur Rahman, and the agriculture sector was given the highest priority during former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia's rule as well.

Asked about a fertiliser crisis, the minister said there is no fertiliser crisis in the country. Adequate fertiliser has been allocated and adequate stocks are held to meet future demand. More fertiliser has been allocated for next month, so there will be no fertiliser crisis in future either.

District Commissioner Abu Saleh Md Musa Jangi, Zila Parishad administrator Harunur Rashid, Department of Agricultural Extension deputy director Atikul Islam and others were present at the time.