GHORAGHAT, DINAJPUR, Apr 3: The use of technology in sustainable agriculture has become a pressing necessity, said Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain.
He made the remarks while addressing a training programme on water-saving irrigation technology and quality preservation of crops grown under polythene sheds in Ghoraghat Upazila of Dinajpur on Saturday.
The programme, organised by the irrigation wing of the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) under the Ministry of Agriculture, was inaugurated by the minister at the upazila parishad hallroom around 10:30am.
Speaking at the event, the minister said the adoption of water-efficient technologies is crucial for sustainable agricultural development, especially as climate change continues to reduce water availability. "Modern irrigation systems are now essential to ensure productivity and sustainability in agriculture," he added.
He also said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has been working for the development of farmers across the country.
Among others present at the programme were BADC Chief Engineer Muhammad Badiul Alam Sarkar, Additional Chief Engineer (Western Region) Dr Khan Faisal Ahmed, Prof Dr Sarah Nowreen of the Institute of Water and Flood Management at BUET, Heifer International Bangladesh Country Director Nurun Nahar, Superintending Engineer of Rangpur (Irrigation) Circle Abul Hasan Md Mizanul Islam, Project Director of the water-saving irrigation and polythene shed construction project in Jashore zone Engr Md Mahbub Alam, and Executive Engineer of Dinajpur (Irrigation) Region Syeda Sabiha Jamal.
Executive Engineer of Jashore Region Engr Md Mazharul Islam conducted the training as a resource person, providing hands-on guidance to farmers on protecting crops from adverse weather under polythene sheds, maintaining product quality, and improving yields. He also discussed how such technologies can enhance farmers' incomes and ensure food security.
Among others, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Abdul Al Mamun Kawsar Sheikh, Assistant Superintendent of Police of Ghoraghat-Hakimpur Circle ANM Niamat Ullah, Upazila Agriculture Officer Agriculturist Md Rafiquzzaman, Officer-in-Charge of Ghoraghat Police Station Shahidul Islam, and local BNP leaders were present, along with farmers from different areas of the upazila.
