Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque on Thursday said the government is considering providing subsidy for diesel in the Boro (paddy) season aiming to reduce the production cost borne by farmers.
He said: "As we give subsidies for fertilizer, subsidies for diesel will be given in Boro season in the same way if necessary. The government is seriously considering this matter."
The minister, also an Awami League presidium member, said this while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop on “Sustainable Management of Underground Water for Food Security” in the north-western region of Bangladesh at the conference room of Brac Centre in Dhaka's Mohakhali area.
The Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) organized the workshop in association with Bangladesh Agricultural University and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization of Australia.
Razzaque further said due to lack of rain, Aman planting is being disrupted.
"Currently, the rainy season is going on and according to natural rules the rain should occur in the country. However, it is not happening which is a concern for all," he added.
Therefore, if Aman production is interrupted due to lack of rain, it will affect the farmers; besides, farmers often invest the money earned from Aman production in Boro season and meet their expenses such as purchasing of fertilizer and diesel and irrigation costs, he stated.
Stating that importance is being laid on developing sustainable irrigation management for ensuring food security, the minister said: "We are working on sustainable management of underground and surface water."
On the one hand, work is going on to increase the use of surface water for irrigation, he said, adding that the efficiency of irrigation is increased for using underground pipes.
Australian Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka Nardia Simpson delivered the welcome speech in the workshop while Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) Executive Director Abu Saleh Khan presided over it.