Speakers at a seminar have stressed the need for providing government support and low-interest bank loan to the organic crops farmers to expand their production.
“We don't have any authentic marketing channel to sell our products at good price", said Kohinoor Yasmin, vice-resident of Bangladesh Organic Products Manufactures Association (BOPMA) while addressing the seminar at Diploma Engineers Institute in the city on Thursday.
They also said the organic food producers face many challenges including lack of marketing facilities.
The seminar titled "Role of Organic Food in Protecting Human Health" was also addressed by State State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Murad Hasan, former Bangladesh Bank governor Dr Atiur Rahman, organic agriculture expert Dr Shahidul Islam and Chairman of Bangladesh Krishi Bank Md Ismail.
BOPMA President Kamruzzaman Mridha presided over the program.
They organic food producers alleged that many non-organic foods are being sold in the market in the name of organic products due to lack of any standardization in the country.
“The government has been giving special emphasis on ensuring food safety,” said State minister Dr Murad adding that “organic food can play a major role to reach safe food to people.”
He also offered his ministry's laboratory support to the organic food producers. "Health and Family Planning Ministry's different institutions have a number of laboratories to examine foods. You can take such services", Dr Murad told the organic food producers.
Dr Atiur Rahman said: “Globally organic foods are being promoted as part of environmental protection move.”
He said there are some challenges in moving for organic agriculture. "If the agriculture goes for organic production, the overall food production may fall. So, it is a big risk for food security as well," he observed.
Dr Shahidul said there should be massive training for the organic food producers. Otherwise, it may bring some negative impacts on food production.