Minister says government advancing modern agriculture and guaranteeing fair prices for farmers

Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid on Wednesday told the Jatiya Sangsad that the government has taken a range of initiatives to modernize the agriculture sector, boost production, and ensure fair prices for farmers through advanced technologies and market reforms.

“High-value and high-yield crop varieties are being developed to increase output through agricultural modernization, while farmers are being supported to cultivate these crops efficiently,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while responding to a starred question from opposition lawmaker Masum Mostafa (Netrakona-5) during a parliamentary session presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram.

He said the government is introducing data-driven precision agriculture to lower production costs and raise farmers’ incomes.

Technologies such as remote sensing, artificial intelligence, drones, and nanotechnology will be integrated to transform the sector into a smart, efficient, and sustainable system, he added.

To ensure fair prices alongside increased production, the minister said several measures have been adopted.

He noted that on the first day of Pahela Baishakh, the Prime Minister launched the pre-pilot of the Farmer Card in 11 upazilas. One of the card’s key features is enabling farmers to sell their produce at fair prices.

Under the Partner Project, one-stop service centers will be set up to provide agricultural inputs, advisory support, collection points, marketing facilities, and washing services.

Additionally, 25-member Farmer Business Schools are being formed, bringing together farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and traders to promote fair pricing through collective efforts.

He also said a digital platform named “Smart Agriculture Market” will be developed to connect farmers directly with wholesalers, retailers, entrepreneurs, and consumers, ensuring transparency and fair pricing.

The minister added that prices of seeds produced by contracted growers under BADC are being set in line with local market rates and production costs to ensure fair returns for farmers.