The National Vegetable Fair 2019 kicked off on Thursday, aimed at encouraging farmers to practice safe vegetable cultivation and combat food adulteration.
Agriculture Minister Dr M Abdur Razzaque inaugurated the three-day long fair at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in Dhaka. Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi and Member of Parliament Abdul Mannan were also present at the inauguration as special guests.
Speaking at the event, the agriculture minister said that food production has increased in our country in recent years, and that Bangladesh has made good progress in terms of grain cultivation.
"Now, we need to improve nutrition in these foods and prevent adulteration," said Razzaque, adding that despite working hard, Bangladeshi farmers do not get fair prices for their produce. "It is very sad and I challenge to make farming activities more profitable."
Razzaque further said that ensuring nutrition and safety of foods, and making agriculture profitable are two main challenges being faced by the country's agriculture sector.
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said that there is no shortage of food in Bangladesh, and in order to reduce wastage of locally produced vegetables, exports must be increased.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, acting Agriculture Secretary M Nasiruzzaman said: “We are organizing the fair along with an objective of safe and quick vegetable production, popularizing vegetable production technologies and to increase vegetable exports.”
Consisting of 71 stalls and five pavilions, the fair will remain open to visitors from 9am to 9pm until January 26.
