Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu on Friday said Maize Square in the heart of the district town will become a symbol of Lalmonirhat as maize has emerged as a branding crop of the district.
Maize cultivation has increased significantly in this district. It has now become the main cash crop of Lalmonirhat. The lives of farmers in the region have changed through maize cultivation, bringing smiles to their faces, he said.
Therefore, the heart of the district town has been named Maize Square to highlight the crop’s growing importance to the local economy, he said while addressing a gathering after inaugurating the construction work of the Maize Square in the district town.
The square will be developed with an iconic architectural design. Just as India Gate in Delhi and Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, the Maize Square will become a symbol of Lalmonirhat, he said.
Abul Kasem of Hatibandha upazila has been cultivating maize since 1991, when yields were low and farmers showed little interest in the crop, the minister said, adding, over the past three decades, the scenario has been changed remarkably. Now all farmers in that village cultivate maize.
The soil in the area is suitable for maize cultivation, while farmers are getting satisfactory yields and good prices for their produce, he said.
Small agro-based industries are also being established centering maize production, which has generated hope among people to tale forward the region, Dulu said.
Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Rashedul Hoque Prodhan, Zilla Parishad Administrator AKM Mominul Haque, government officials and political leaders were present on the occasion.