It is high time entrepreneurs took steps to expose potential of Bangladesh’s agro-industry to create employment opportunities and boost rural economy, experts said at a seminar yesterday.
They observed that the country has vast tracts of arable land conductive to growing a variety of crops as well as fruits.
The observation came at seminar titled “Expanding opportunities: promoting innovative ideas” at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city.
The agriculture experts called upon the entrepreneurs to come up with innovative ideas and apply those to boost agro-based rural economy. Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) hosted the seminar marking its 25th founding anniversary.
NBR Chairman Md Golam Hossain, agriculture scientists and NGO representatives, among others, spoke at the seminar.
Dr MA Quashem of PKSF chaired the event which was also attended by the foundation’s Chairman, Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Managing Director Md Abdul Karim and other senior officials.
Executive Director Mir Al Mamun of Habitat and Economy Lifting Programme and Ayub Hossain of Jonobiggan Foundation made separate presentations.
In his presentation, Mamun said: “The land of our country holds out a huge potential to turn our agriculture sector into an agro-industry.”
“Bangladesh can produce fish fry, fish oil and different other food items from fish alongside producing testy rice crackers from local rice varieties, besides making candy and chips from jack fruits.”
All the produces have a high market value, said Mamun. With reference to Japan, the country that produces rice crackers, he said: “We can use the formula Japan does, as rice is our staple crop.”
The executive director called upon new entrepreneurs to be more innovative to transform the agro-based industry into a profitable sector.
