Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumdar said that the government has sufficient food stocks and there are no concerns regarding food security.
The adviser made the comment during visits to Boro rice fields along the all-weather road in the Bhatshala Haor of Kishoreganj's Austagram upazila on Saturday, reports Bangla Tribune.
He said: "The damage caused to Aman paddy during the recent floods is being compensated by the government's import of food grains. This year, a bumper crop of Boro rice is expected across the country, including in the Haor areas. If everything goes well, there will be a surplus of food. The government is working tirelessly to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their crops."
He shared the information while holding a meeting with local farmers and rice cultivators.
The adviser said: "Farmers and rice cultivators are the front-line soldiers of the nation's development. If they are well, the country will prosper. The crops they grow with their hard work provide food for our large population."
He also assured everyone present that the government is working to address issues such as irrigation problems in the Haor region, the illegal drying of canals under the guise of fishing, ensuring the availability of fertilizers and seeds, as well as ensuring the fair price of crops and their preservation.
Regarding the drying of canals and rivers in the Haor areas, the adviser said: "Large rivers like the Meghna are facing navigability issues. The canals in the Haor areas are drying up. It is possible to dig local canals, and the government is making efforts to dredge the larger rivers."
He added: "Farmers in the Haor areas are now engaged in a variety of economic activities, including not only cultivating rice but also maize, vegetables, raising poultry, and fish farming. The Haor is a region of great potential. The government is working extensively on the development of its infrastructure and socio-economic conditions."
During the meeting, the adviser asked the rice cultivators to share their problems.
Several rice cultivators raised concerns about irrigation issues, road access problems, and drinking water shortages.
The adviser directed the district commissioner to address these issues promptly.
Later, the adviser visited the Boro fields in the Bhatshala Haor area.
The meeting was attended by Police Superintendent Mohammad Hasan Chowdhury, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Dilshad Jahan, Austagram’s Agriculture Officer Abhijit Sarkar, and others.
